A Central Government Complex and a Legislative Council Complex, together with an open space, will be developed on the Tamar site in Central District, Hong Kong Island. Four prequalified tenderers were earlier invited by the Government to submit tenders for the design-and-build contract for the project.




Design A:
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model1_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model1.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model2_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model2.jpg)

Exhibition Screens: (click the image to enlarge)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen1_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen1.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen2_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen2.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen3_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen3.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen4_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen4.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen5_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen5.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen6_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen6.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen7_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen7.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen8_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen8.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen9_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen9.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen10_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen10.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen11_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen11.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen12_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen12.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen13_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen13.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen14_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen14.jpg)http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen15_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen15.jpg)
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen16_s.jpg (http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/screen16.jpg)

http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment01-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment02-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment03-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment04-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment05-600.jpg




Design B:
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment06-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment07-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment08-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment09-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment10-600.jpg




Design C:
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment12-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment13-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment14-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment15-600.jpg







Design D:
Designed by: Daniel Libeskind
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment16-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment17-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment18-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment19-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment20-600.jpg


Visit: http://www.tamar.gov.hk
Pictures of the exhibition by 久 地 遊 覽 (leomak) from http://hk-place.com/vp.php?board=1&id=2346-14

Another mega project for HK. Such a small city landwise, yet there always seems to be something big happening. I like no. 1 (similar to CCTV in Beijing.) But the last Libeskind one is kind of cute with the reference to the sailing junk. It looks similar to AIG in that sense. I'm not sure I like the ball there though. I would be satisfied with either of these.

A is very yinteresting, and seems to defy physics, definitely would want this to be built somewhere in Hong Kong

B is very conventional, wouldn't be a bad addition, but I'd rather have it elsewhere than HK's waterfront (perhaps old towns, etc.)

C is also a nice concept, but nothing fantastic, again, would love to see this in Hong Kong, but perhaps as redevelopment of old towns.

D is absolutely fantastic, my favorite one, slightly more than A, i think it will draw attention to itself from the water front, soooo nice. I have a thing for these sail like things. I also really like the AIG Tower, and that hotel thing in Dubai...

Double post, but I really like D, also because of its water front design, which looks like a lot more thought has been given than A... plus I would love those light pillar things...

EDIT: no triple post, I just noticed they're filling in the water between the central pier and turning it into a park!

Hong Kong's moving away from it's ultra urban image on the very water front... this is interesting, I'm not entirely convinced of what that would do for the skyline, though

i really like design D and B is my least favourite

I would pick A which reminds me of the one planned for Beijing. It's gonna look great to see the development happening in this part of town.

Design D for me

Actually would have preferred a fifth design but well i voted for design A.

Design D is fucking awesome. I hope they build that proposal.

I recommend everyone to take some time and view the promotional videos on the website. They make it easier to visualize all the designs and see how everything fits together. They also show more of the building interiors. I think the government complex should go for a more low-key, timeless look, rather than being showy and distracting. My thoughts:

A: This is a pretty good design. I agree it looks similar to the one in Beijing and maybe the Grande Arche in Paris, but it still looks quite good.

B: This is probably a bit too conventional, and the various pieces of the complex don't fit well together.

C: This is the best design in my opinion. It is conventional without being too boring or boxy. It does have a certain "corparate" feel to it, but the structures are actually very open and transparent, which is fitting for a government complex. And this design has the best-looking legislative chamber. The complex's north-south orientation provides more efficient use of space and won't block as many buildings behind it. I recommend watching the video for this one.

D: This design is okay... I guess. The Chinese junk concept is just way too cliché and obvious. The novelty will grow old very quickly. It will also look very distracting from the harbour in my opinion.

So my preference is C > A > B > D.

Wraps come off four visions for Tamar
(SCMP) 03-29-07 00:03AM

Four proposals competing for the HK$5.2 billion contract to build the new government headquarters and Legislative Council buildings at Tamar went on display yesterday.

The designs and their titles emphasise openness and the people - despite being required to include a "water feature" or some means of keeping the public at bay.

Director of administration Elizabeth Tse Man-yee said the exhibition, at the Queensway Government Offices, would allow the public to take part in selecting a design, even though the tender exercise required confidentiality.

"All tender documents are confidential because they contain confidential business information. We made a special arrangement by asking the companies involved to decide what information they wanted to disclose and present them in a standard form, so the public will be able to participate," she said.

The government believed the public would comment on the design and aesthetic of the proposals based on information available.

"We don't think it is necessary for the public to go into the technical details of each proposal," she said.

The designs are from China State, Leighton and Yau Lee; the DHK-CRCC Tamar Joint Venture; a Gammon and Hip Hing joint venture; and another between Paul Y and Shui On.

Tamar will house a government complex, a building for the chief executive's office and the Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers and the Legco secretariat.

Under the government's plan, the contract will be awarded this year and the project completed in 2010.

Visitors to the exhibition can fill in a comment card to express views, which will be presented to the special selection board headed by Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan, which will consider the project consultant's analysis in assessing the submissions.

Sixty per cent of the score awarded to bidders will be based on three aspects - design and aesthetics; planning, sustainability and environment; and function and technical factors. Price accounts for the other 40 per cent.

The exhibition at Queensway will close on April 24. It will move to the Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park from April 28 to May 27. The public can also see the models at.

Albert Lai Kwong-tak, engineer and Civic Party vice-chairman, said the exhibition was "unfair to the competitors and the public". He said the government should make public the technical aspect of the four proposals so professionals could assist people to interpret the designs.

"We cannot compare the basic parameters, such as height and size of the building, the size of the public open space.

"The government should also tell the public how it is going to manage each of the proposals because it will have an impact on how the people can use Tamar in the future, " Mr Lai said.

Tamar designs focus on green, energy themes
(STANDARD) 03- 29-07 03:30AM


Green and energy-efficient - that is the theme of four design models unveiled Wednesday for the HK$5.2 billion Tamar redevelopment project.

The models provide an insight into what the government and Legislative Council complexes on the 4.2-hectare site will look like.

Members of the public have been invited to vote on their favorite design in the next two months, after which a report will be submitted to a special selection board to be chaired by Chief Secretary for Administration Rafael Hui Si-yan for a final decision.

The designs came from four pre-qualified bidders representing more than 100 commercial interests. In a bid to provide a long-term solution to the problem of acute shortage of office space, and to enhance the vibrancy of the waterfront and open the site to public access, the four designs have focused on renewable energy, greenery and energy-efficient services.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen2_s.jpg
Design A - submitted by Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture - has a main building with an open space stretching to the waterfront, symbolizing openness and transparency of governance. The open-door design also allows plenty of ventilation and an unobstructed sea view.

It includes a lily pond flanking the Legislative Council's dining hall, a floating platform, a Legco garden, a Tamar Cafe and a sculptures corner.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/b/model1_s.jpg
Design B - by DHK-CRCC Tamar Joint Venture - blends three fundamental fung shui concepts - heaven, earth and people.

The setup stresses a dignified, independent and prestigious design, reinforcing the openness and transparency of government. The main features include a flower garden, meandering paths under tree canopies, civic park pools and waterfalls.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/c/screen16_s.jpg
Design C - by Paul Y-Shui On Joint Venture - aims at giving Hong Kong an iconic architectural style by featuring interlocking and slanting projects in a dynamic and forward-looking world- class showcase.

It also aims to reinforce a sophisticated and cosmopolitan image of Hong Kong.

Its main features include a waterfront promenade, a Tamar park with a renewable-energy education garden, photovoltaic panels, green roofs and sky gardens.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen2_s.jpg
Design D - by China State-Leighton-Yau Lee Joint Venture - splits the government and Legco complexes into two separate junk-sail and pearl- shaped buildings, engendering the need for both to work in harmony.

It aims to enhance efficiency, accessibility and openness of the civil service and legislators.

The main features include a pearl-shaped Legco library, a world-class promenade walk, a sky bridge, a fountain and a man-made beach.

Director of Administration Elizabeth Tse Man- yee said no promotional activities will be allowed during the design exhibition by the tenderers.

I like the last design. Chinese junk facing the sea seems like an appropriate concept for government buildings. Design A is also beautiful and modern, but it's similar to the one on China's olympic park. B is the one I least like, it's too common and boring

I like desing A and D Ithink itis more suitable for Hong Kong

(1) D
(2) A
(3) C
(4) B

A is not bad, but it doesn't stand out enough and its upper section domineers over the existing skyline behind it.

B is conventional and anonymous with great interiors, good blend into the skyline, but does not make a statement for the government and its image.

C is too oppressive and gives an unapproachable fortress feel.

D is good, but I wish the interior was more imaginative.

If I had to pick, then D with A as second choice. I'd like more interior improvements, though.

D is by far the best - wonderful design! A is a distant runner up.

I also like the D concept which is going to be very symbolic. The only thing I don't like about D is the building is going to be bigger than the PLA HQ building and will partially block some of Admiraty's skyscrapers especially viewing the skyline from Kowloon.

I Prefer B at most and I really Hate A because it is really a copy cat from the New CCTV HQ in Beijing.

Pesonally prefer the D's building, but B's landscape.
The junk is an icon of HK, the building fits in the icon and sailing on the harbour.

B's landscaping is awesome, a lot of water (probably too much) and green. We need something like that in the concrete jungle.

Pesonally prefer the D's building, but B's landscape.
The junk is an icon of HK, the building fits in the icon and sailing on the harbour.

B's landscaping is awesome, a lot of water (probably too much) and green. We need something like that in the concrete jungle.

I agree with that. "D" is a gorgeous building while "B" does have good landscaping. I guess they'll have to import/transplant quite a few trees for that project.

D would be fantastic it would create another icon for hong kong and the architecture reflects hong kong .At the moment there really arent any buildings that stand out beside ifc

A is a bit too much, and looks like CCTV already UC in Beijing. C is interesting .. stands out yet not too extraordinary.

I think D is too extravagant for a government building. It would be fine for a commerical building...Also the ventilation system in proposal D is not quite good at all. The building complete blocks the highrises behind. Maybe A is better

This is the building that houses the government and the LegCo, so the design should cohere the functions and image of the government.

A: I think it is the most suitable design among all proposals. It has this grand and dignified image for a government headquarter. And the LegCo section looks like a scaled down version of UN headquarter. The open and transparent images are something that the government should look for. If they somehow can make the arch looks more symmetric instead of this strange “17” shape, it will appear more as the focus and balance point of the two major building clusters on the left (Wanchai) and reight (Central) sides of the panorama.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen2_s.jpghttp://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen7_s.jpg
http://www.beautifulplaces.org/Paris/l3049.jpg
La grande arch, Paris


B: It looks like a hospital.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/b/screen4_s.jpg


C: The design of the main building is quite good. However, the layout is weird and the design of the LegCo chamber is weak. Pay attention on how strangely they squeezed the main bureau tower and the Legco complex on one side and place the small CE office on the other side.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/c/screen2_s.jpghttp://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/c/screen5_s.jpg


D: It will be a perfect design for a casino in Macau or a hotel in Dubai. But the image of old junk doesn’t fit the image of the government. And the layout of the design is relatively chaotic. Finally, the sphere looks a bit tricky and it may look as bad as these of the Shanghai International Convention Center.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen2_s.jpghttp://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen5_s.jpg
http://www.glschina.com/cps/images/sicc.jpg
Shanghai International Convention Center
http://www.hplb.gov.hk/wkcd/eng/images/pc/worldcity_Pamphlet.gif
West Kowloon proposal by World City Culture Park Limited (never built)

I think HK got three good alternatives in a, c and d

Pictures of the exhibition by 久 地 遊 覽 (leomak) from http://hk-place.com/vp.php?board=1&id=2346-14

Design Ａ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment01-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment02-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment03-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment04-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment05-600.jpg


Design B
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment06-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment07-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment08-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment09-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment10-600.jpg



Design Ｃ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment12-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment13-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment14-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment15-600.jpg



Design Ｄ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment16-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment17-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment18-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment19-600.jpg
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment20-600.jpg

What I find most appalling about a lot of these "western" architects, is when they come do work in the rest of the world, invariably they will seize on some simplistic icon to base their design on, and they immediately will call it "being sensitive to local culture".

Other than being the tourism logo, appearing on a few old postcards and being the subject of all those aweful oil paintings that you find all over Tsim Sha Tsui, what does the "junk" have to do with Hong Kong, it's people and it's culture anymore? And to use it as the concept of their design shows nothing but the designer's own shallowness and insensitivity.

Needless to say I think Liebskind's design is the worst of the 4. The one that I thin is best is A, which if I am not mistaken, is a Rocco design and going back to my point about sensitivity and cultural icon, all one needs to look at for a good example of a good uses of an icon is Rocco's design for the Guangzhou Museum. Rocco's design most of the time is much better than the stuff from a lot of these so called "starchitects".

^^^ maybe they should design a building inspired by street-side spicy fish-balls... the most uniquely Hong Kong thing you can find... or bowl of shark fin... mmm....

Best design for HK - $, Dollar sign builing. That's what Hong Kong known for, too. No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $. What else can be a better iconic building that an actual dollar sign building? Money has to do with people in every aspect everyday. Why no architect come up with something like that?

$ sign for a gov't building... hmm

Best design for HK - $, Dollar sign builing. That's what Hong Kong known for, too. No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $. What else can be a better iconic building that an actual dollar sign building? Money has to do with people in every aspect everyday. Why no architect come up with something like that?

Welcome to the world's most cynical city.

i think the direct iconography of a junk for a government building doesnt suit well for long term and national purposes. also, the junk relationship is just skin deep, its just the facade and these diagonal transoms running at an angle to your normal rectilinear and euclidean curtain wall system, when viewed from the inside you see this wayward strip across your office space.

design D howwver would look nice as a cultural project / building... not a government one...
the landscape of the desgn D is exciting though.

so design A is rocco yim, B is aedas, D is libeskind, so who is the lead design architect for design C?

i think the direct iconography of a junk for a government building doesnt suit well for long term and national purposes. also, the junk relationship is just skin deep, its just the facade and these diagonal transoms running at an angle to your normal rectilinear and euclidean curtain wall system, when viewed from the inside you see this wayward strip across your office space.

design D howwver would look nice as a cultural project / building... not a government one...
the landscape of the desgn D is exciting though.

so design A is rocco yim, B is aedas, D is libeskind, so who is the lead design architect for design C?

Libeskind is only the 'conceptual' designer of the scheme which potentially only involves the placing of the mass and deciding the height of the blocks. and as far as i understand from these panels, the buildings are actually designed by ASD (architectural service department of the hk government).

clearly, those buildings show very little resemblance to other libeskind buildings! ><

and proposal C is designed by local collaborations between P&T and Simon Kwan i think! ><

I like very much the D, this desing would be built I thing ;)

Maybe they should rebuild the GPO instead.

Best design for HK - $, Dollar sign builing. That's what Hong Kong known for, too. No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $. What else can be a better iconic building that an actual dollar sign building? Money has to do with people in every aspect everyday. Why no architect come up with something like that?

This is the MOST FUNNIST reply that I've ever seen!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: But what you said "No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $." are incorrect. In Fact, HK has at least 6000 years in human history! Also, NOT all the people just care $$$, they also care the others! ;)

Maybe they should rebuild the GPO instead.

I agree the GPO in Central has to be rebuild and much better to relocate because of the small size within the highest landprice place. The problem is that there is already another purpose of this land use.

Notice that Tamar isn't marked for a huge skyscraper. One can be built, but it'll come with a lot of explaining to do. Since the site is fairly large, a tall building along with a short building like a GPO recreation can definitely fit together. The GPO can then be a recreational facility or museum for the community to enjoy. After all, the government works for the people. Such a facility would achieve that objective.

Design A is magnificent. What a classy structure! The references to CCTV and Grande Arche are there, yes, but it is still original in its own context. The landscaping is also perfect. A vast expanse of open greenery in the middle of HK is hard to come by and will provide amazing vista's of the skyline. And the night lighting is absolutely beautiful.

This is the MOST FUNNIST reply that I've ever seen!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: But what you said "No history, no heritage, no politic, no nothing, but money. All we care about is $." are incorrect. In Fact, HK has at least 6000 years in human history! Also, NOT all the people just care $$$, they also care the others! ;)

I was just being ironic. I know Hong Kong is more than just the colony era.


I agree the GPO in Central has to be rebuild and much better to relocate because of the small size within the highest landprice place. The problem is that there is already another purpose of this land use.

What is the plan of current GPO site? Isn't it just office use?

But it is definitely easier to build a whole new complex than rebuild the GPO and try to fit all the offices and Legco in that piece of tiny land. I think one of the main reason of moving the CGC to Tamar is to move all the government office to one location which are in different buildings in Central and Admiralty now to make it easier for eveyone.

I was just being ironic. I know Hong Kong is more than just the colony era.




What is the plan of current GPO site? Isn't it just office use?

But it is definitely easier to build a whole new complex than rebuild the GPO and try to fit all the offices and Legco in that piece of tiny land. I think one of the main reason of moving the CGC to Tamar is to move all the government office to one location which are in different buildings in Central and Admiralty now to make it easier for eveyone.

It is very by city to city, city like Hong Kong, New York and London's government, everything is online and well connected with the whole world. It really no need and so old fashion to have so call "central goverment location", IMO I don't look at how great the city is by it's goverment HQ. If Hong Kong goverment HQ move to some cheaper location, it will show how smart and caring the goverment is by building a HQ cheaper, getting more s.q., also leave ppl more park space in CBD.


P.S. I will say build #2, what do the world think if HK most iconic building is the goverment HQ but not a result of an open & free market building....it sound like old USSR and China in the old day isn't it, when all the big building belong to the goverment....mmm:lol:

P.S. I will say build #2, what do the world think if HK most iconic ******** is the goverment HQ but not a result of an open & free market ********....it sound like old USSR and China in the old day isn't it, when all the big ******** belong to the goverment....mmm:lol:

You got this point wrong. The open space in front of the proposed government ******** doesn't serve the same funtcion as the squares in USSR or mainland China. It is to increase the way of life for Hong Konger. Hong Kong Island really needs more open and green space in the ***** area, something serves a function similar to the Central Park in *** ****. Even if Tamar isn't used for civil services, the waterfrond park and open space will still be there but not as part of the Tamar project.

The integration with the harbourfront beautification schemes is key. Hence, even if Tamar ends up with a few skyscrapers, and perhaps even a *********, it's OK as long as the waterfront promenade is unaffected across the ******. In fact, more people will make that area bustling come lunch time.

RTHK news:
Lobby group calls for halting Tamar plans (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20070403/news_20070403_56_390563.htm)

--C'mon, Dr Kwok, please let the citizens to decide which one is the best! :ohno:

Pictures of the exhibition by 久 地 遊 覽 (leomak)Design Ｃ
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg


My biggest problem with Design C is the crooked buildings and what they represent. Do we want Hong Kong's government to be known as a crooked (ie dishonest) government? :lol:

Don't mind me. I had to pay salaries tax today, and it just hit me that some of my tax dollars are going to build one of these monuments...

Model A definitely should be built.

My friend said design C is perfect for Adidas’ headquarter. Lol
http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment11-600.jpg
http://illinireport.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/adidas_logo.jpg

I like D, it's very futuristic and huge

RTHK news:
Lobby group calls for halting Tamar plans (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20070403/news_20070403_56_390563.htm)

--C'mon, Dr Kwok, please let the citizens to decide which one is the best! :ohno:

no worry,one single legislator can do nothing to halt the progress,the fund for the construction has already been allocated by the Legislative Council.

Gov't Press Release:
Tamar exhibition draws warm public response (http://info.gov.hk/gia/general/200704/04/P200704040165.htm)

I like D, it looks like HK boat sail. Plus the ground looks good!

添馬凱旋門設計市民最愛 本報展覽場內問卷調查 (明報) 04月 02日 星期一 05:10AM

http://hk.yimg.com/hk/providers/mingpao/20070401/_02gh001_.jpg

【明報專訊】凱旋門 、玻璃屋、幾何波浪、帆船珍珠，哪個添馬艦方案最得民心？本報在位於金鐘的添馬艦發展設計展覽進行的問卷調查顯示，「金門—協興聯營」的凱旋門式設計（設計A）最受歡迎；


但有逾兩成半受訪者認為展覽提供的資料不足，八成人認為必須提供用料、示威區位置、保安設施等資料。

有環保團體促請政府準備一份統一指標，要求各投標者列出通風評估、公眾使用休憩空間等資料，並應找來專業團體在場講解。

26%市民指資料不足

本報記者分別於前日及昨日，在展場內向特意到場參觀的市民做問卷調查，成功完成131個訪問。結果顯示，26.2％受訪者認為公開展覽提供的資料不足夠；八成受訪者認為必須提供用料、示威區位置等資料，亦有六成多受訪者認為必須提供保養及維修費用、能源效益等數據（詳見圖）。

對於未有披露保養維修費、能源效益等資料，行政署發言人說，各設計皆包含大量技術細節，按照既定招標程序，為確保投標過程公平公正，有關技術方面的詳情必須保密。發言人認為，是次公開展覽提供的資料，應足夠讓公眾就各方案的設計和美感因素發表意見。

環團倡設統一指標

身兼長春社理事的可持續發展公民議會主席黎廣德認為，調查結果明顯反映政府進行的公眾諮詢敷衍。公開展覽中，部分設計在高度、休憩空間、通風評估等資料含糊不清，甚至未有提供，他促請政府準備一份統一指標，要求各投標者列出通風評估、公眾使用休憩空間等資料，亦應找來專業團體，如建築師學會、工程師學會等人士幫助公眾解讀；並參考外國做法，透過舉辦公開論壇、設計工作坊，讓市民討論及優化設計。

近三成受訪者喜愛設計D

至於哪個設計方案最得民心？調查顯示，是以本地著名建築師嚴迅奇為代表的許李嚴建築師有限公司的設計A，以及曾參與美國世貿中心重建項目的建築師 Daniel Libeskind的設計D之爭。在建築外貌、改善景觀、綠化及環保、休憩用地等各方面，一面倒地由設計A領先，在各項都有四成多人支持。因此被問及最喜愛哪個設計時，近半受訪者最愛設計A，近三成選擇設計D。

貌似凱旋門的設計A，兩座政府大樓的頂部相連，拱門下有大片綠化草坡，貫穿海濱、政府總部大樓和金鐘地鐵 站，立法會 大樓像橢圓柱體。嚴迅奇是本港名建築師，得獎之作有近年設計的北京 道一號、廣州博物館。

添馬艦公開展覽上周三在金鐘政府合署舉行（至4月24日），「金門—協興聯營（設計A）」、「寶嘉華潤營造添馬艦聯營（設計B）」、「瑞安—保華聯營（設計C）」、「中國建築—禮頓—有利聯營（設計D）」4組投標商，在現場提供一套5分鐘的錄影帶、18塊展板及一個模型，但不設專人講解。

明報記者 張麗碧 朱嘉欣 賴月玲

Warm response to Tamar exhibition


An exhibition featuring design proposals submitted by the four tenderers for the Tamar Development Project has been warmly received by the community, the Administration Wing says.



The event attracted more than 5,700 visitors in the first week of its opening and more than 24,700 visitors have visited its dedicated website. So far, more than 3,400 comment cards have been received.



The wing called on people to visit the exhibition and give their views on the design and aesthetic aspects of the proposals.



The exhibition is currently being held at the Deck Level, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, Hong Kong, and will be open daily from 10am to 7pm during the Easter holidays.

I think D is the best in terms of the building's design BUT B is the best for landscaping.

The landscaping of each of the respective designs will be built as well? So in a sense, its no just the Government Complex but the landscaping of the reclamation that is tied into the proposals as well?

I think D is the best in terms of the building's design BUT B is the best for landscaping.

The landscaping of each of the respective designs will be built as well? So in a sense, its no just the Government Complex but the landscaping of the reclamation that is tied into the proposals as well?

The scope of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project includes the design and construction of a Central Government Complex, a Legislative Council Complex and an open space. The proposed designs shown in the exhibit materials for the Promenade Site are for reference only and do not form part of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project.:)

The scope of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project includes the design and construction of a Central Government Complex, a Legislative Council Complex and an open space. The proposed designs shown in the exhibit materials for the Promenade Site are for reference only and do not form part of the Contract of the Tamar Development Project.:)

So to clarify: this means the contract includes landscaping for the space in front of the complex, but not the reclaimed land along the harbour.

So to clarify: this means the contract includes landscaping for the space in front of the complex, but not the reclaimed land along the harbour.

Correct.

My friend said design C is perfect for Adidas’ headquarter. Lol


now that you mention it, it kinda does.

I wonder if they can bring back the Foster canopy to the winning design. :)

Based on those pictures posted by Hala, each proposal seems conceived with a design theme.
Proposal A - blue sky, openness, and get connected...
Proposal B - efficiency, practicality, typical of HK style...
Proposal C - essence of Chinese Feng Shui to make the complex environmentally sustainable (though the buildings look like tumbling -> structurally unsustainable?):nuts:
Proposal D - the image of HK in the eyes of tourists: the Junk and 'Pearl of Orient' (the ball shape building).

The themes of proposal A and B are better then the latter two when it comes to government office design.

Notably on proposal D, which I will consider the least imaginative (pardon me for offending some of the forumers here), the image of the Junk and Pearl of Orient is obsolete, outdated and a reminder of the pre-handover colonial status of HK in the British Empire:ohno: . In fact, HK already has got a Junk-shape building not far away -> the AIA Building. The ball-shape design also has been much abused in other China cities, in particular Shanghai which always reminisces once being the jewel of crown in the Orient.

My personal preference is proposal B which indeed blends very well with surrounding buildings and the landscaping design is magnificent (compared to other 3). Though aesthetically the building of propoal B does not STRIKE as impressively as that of proposal A.

Who will choose and when will we know the result?

One thing though, the tourism board still uses the junk as its logo, although I understand your perception of the colonial hints.

I don't like any of them much personally. I think its great how they all incorporate water though.

Yes, since the site faces the water, integrating it with the waterfront was a key design component. Notice many designs actually have a very wide bridge from the lobby across the street to the harbour.

Proposal D - the image of HK in the eyes of tourists: the Junk and 'Pearl of Orient' (the ball shape building).... Notably on proposal D, which I will consider the least imaginative (pardon me for offending some of the forumers here), the image of the Junk and Pearl of Orient is obsolete, outdated and a reminder of the pre-handover colonial status of HK in the British Empire. :ohno: In fact, HK already has got a Junk-shape building not far away -> the AIA Building. The ball-shape design also has been much abused in other China cities, in particular Shanghai which always reminisces once being the jewel of crown in the Orient.I disagree with this. Junks are traditional Chinese boats and had been used along the China coast for centuries before the British arrived in Hong Kong. The "Pearl of the Orient" may be cliched but it's also romantic and attractive (and those qualities are worth $$$ in tourist revenues). And what would you replace it with? Some naff slogan like "live it, love it!"? No-one knows or cares about these marketting catchphrases. Tourism is an important industry to Hong Kong but it's a competitive market. There are, after all, countless other appealing destinations too. Hong Kong needs to have something distinctive, appealing, and recognisable and the image of the junk in the harbour set against a background of skyscrapers with the mountains behind is the most famous, recognised, and attractive icon of Hong Kong.

In reality I doubt many tourists will even recognise building D as a junk. I like it simply because it's by far the most attractive design. The others look orthodox, conservative, and uninspired. No-one will even notice them. Hong Kong has great skyscrapers but in some ways it lacks urban variety. Other styles and architectural forms are quite few and far between. That's why I think D has the most to offer.

"live it, love it!"?

is that a sly dig at Leeds Monkey?





Also, I'd like the harbourfront reclamation (not just the tamar site), to include an area of al fresco restaurants a la circular quay in Sydney, in the mould of the Yacht Club restaurant in CWB.

Also, I'd like the harbourfront reclamation (not just the tamar site), to include an area of al fresco restaurants a la circular quay in Sydney, in the mould of the Yacht Club restaurant in CWB.
Design D incorporates a terrace-style restaurant complex along the waterfront.

ahh excellent.

also, if they want to promote the harbour as an area of recreation/entertainment/park area, then they really should do something about cleaning up the harbour - and I mean serious work, not just the vague stuff they do now.

B,

I have no comment at all for this design. It just like shopping mail.
But the idea of planting trees is good!

A,

I dont think the buildings look like CCTV tower in Beijing.. But, i do think it is very similar to La Grande Arche in Paris.
http://masu-www.pi.titech.ac.jp/img_event/20041129_Paris/13.jpg
At the beginning, i think that this design is the best one But after watching the video and the pics, i think that this design does not intergrate into the environment and the LegCo building does not suit the style of the main building. (While other buildings in the poposal are designed based on boxes, the LegCo building has round structure.)
Moreover, I think that the green area of A is good, but i start to think that grass platfrom may not be accepted for Hongkongers and there are no trees!
I believe that noone will sit on this platform under sun exposeure and 3X degree. But, the idea of connection from Queensway to the seaside is great.

D,

After rejecting A for the best one, i started thinking of D.
For D, the circular-seaside-footbridge is amazing for me, but, it may not be a part of the contract.
For myself, the building is quite special and acceptable.
The theme is clear and observable, although it seems like a casino.
But after looking at the video, i find out that the buildings are too high that the Far East Finace Centre and other buildings in Queensway will be hided from the point of view of tsimshatsui.
So, i stopped thinking of D.

C,

At first, i think that the designer of C is just crazy.
But after rejecting all other designs, i start take a look on C.
I found that the green area is quite a large proportion of tamar site and there are trees, although i do not like the design as it is as usual as other places in HK.
Looking at the design, I found that none of the buildings in Queensway will be hided by the design and it is highly intergrated into the background when people looking from Tsimshatsui. And, from central, people can enjoy another unforgettable view from the horizontal side of the building.
However, i think that the office of CE is a bit strange from the whole design.

------------------------
So, to conclude, I think the perfect design should have C's main buildings, D's seaside-footbridge, A's green area connection, and B's planting trees idea!

is that a sly dig at Leeds Monkey?No it's HKTA's slogan for Hong Kong.

I disagree with this. Junks are traditional Chinese boats and had been used along the China coast for centuries before the British arrived in Hong Kong. The "Pearl of the Orient" may be cliched but it's also romantic and attractive (and those qualities are worth $$$ in tourist revenues). And what would you replace it with? Some naff slogan like "live it, love it!"? No-one knows or cares about these marketting catchphrases. Tourism is an important industry to Hong Kong but it's a competitive market. There are, after all, countless other appealing destinations too. Hong Kong needs to have something distinctive, appealing, and recognisable and the image of the junk in the harbour set against a background of skyscrapers with the mountains behind is the most famous, recognised, and attractive icon of Hong Kong.

In reality I doubt many tourists will even recognise building D as a junk. I like it simply because it's by far the most attractive design. The others look orthodox, conservative, and uninspired. No-one will even notice them. Hong Kong has great skyscrapers but in some ways it lacks urban variety. Other styles and architectural forms are quite few and far between. That's why I think D has the most to offer.

No one will dispute the importance of tourism to HK. But we are talking about the design of government office building. Proposal D may not be a bad idea for locations across the habour or somewhere else NOT in the heart of financial and administrative district.

One thing though is about the ball shape structure, which indeed is ubiquitous in many Chinese cities, like Dalian and Qingdao, not to mention Shanghai. Why? All these cities promote themselves being some kind of pearl --> Dalian being the pearl of North, Qingdao or Tianjin being pearl of Bohai area, and Shanghai.... Perhaps such pearls-like buildings are more difficult to clean, most of them lack the lustre that one would expect. I do not think such design inspirational at all, especially to those tourists from the mainland! On the other hand, HK may do better than those mainland cities by creating a more glamorous pearl!:lol:

I'm pretty sure HKTA's slogan for HK was "Asia's world city". Unless they've recently changed it. In fact, I met the guy who was in charge of the HKTA's branding scheme for HK about 6 years ago.. forgot his name however.


Leeds however uses the slogan "live it, love it"... in fact, it's almost all over the place over here.

I'm pretty sure HKTA's slogan for HK was "Asia's world city". Unless they've recently changed it. In fact, I met the guy who was in charge of the HKTA's branding scheme for HK about 6 years ago.. forgot his name however.


Leeds however uses the slogan "live it, love it"... in fact, it's almost all over the place over here.

http://www.hkta.org/login.html
you can see the slogan here. HKTA has used it for about 3-4 years, but i am not sure when they started to use it.

Asia's world city is another slogan here.

D! no doubt about that.
I think it mix with the rest of the area pretty well, and the design is just great.

I like C!!! So nice and beautiful!!

My favorite...
1) D - looks really good with existing skyline, adds a bit of an organic feel and shape.

2) A - looks like it has good fung shui! Channels the energy and the 'flow' :lol:

3) C - looks like the government is in a mess! Everything seems to be toppling!

4) B - Yawn!

http://www.globalphotos.org/hongkong/20070409/IMG_1178.jpg

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Public needs background to judge Tamar proposals fairly
13 April 2007
South China Morning Post

Proposals for the new Tamar government headquarters are finally on show. All four presentations offer eye-catching perspectives - with narrated, computer-animated walkthroughs and site models representing its size and form in its immediate city context. After the first dazzling array of renderings, as you look closer and harder, an image begins to emerge.

The projects come across as slightly restrained and conservative, in terms of the expression of forms and the treatment of space. This is not to say that the proposals are not highly professional, but they appear to be the best pragmatic solutions rather than efforts at the iconic and truly inspirational. To satisfy everyone would indeed be nearly impossible, and we must hail our architects for doing a good job in the face of such differing opinions.

In major civic projects anywhere, design is often a heated subject. Architects must try to solve pragmatic concerns, and some even see them as sources of inspiration. After all, solving them is part of the job. When civic projects of this stature use invited or open competitions, only architects tend to be involved. Architects - being the creators of buildings - are best suited for this initial, conceptual role. For Tamar, the government chose to combine the roles of architects and contractors in a "design-and-build" process. As a result, architects had to balance concerns of the community with the feuding interests of other parties in the consortium.

Fair enough: architects need to design buildings that can actually be built. But when you hamstring their creativity and innovativeness with so much baggage at this early stage, then the full potential of the work will not be realised. This should serve as a lesson that future civic-design projects should be the product of open competition.

To help the public judge these works fairly, the government should consider providing more information and assessment criteria for people to consider when viewing the results.

This way, the public won't have to judge the entries merely on subjective grounds, but could engage in a public consultation process that is helpful and meaningful.

Michael Wing C. Kwok, Central

I like D the best. I hope D is the winning proposal.

My pick would either be A or C...

A - I like the poetic description! And it looks really good to have it at waterfront. As what it's described, it acts like a door that connects people, that's what HK is all about, iconic.

C - C looks good too. It has a very imposing feeling that projects out to the sea. This really looks good for a government complex. It blends in well with its surroundings too.

Hmmm... tough one but I think A wins a little as it would really be another icon for HK once it's built.

From news.gov.hk:
Tamar exhibition heads to Kowloon (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/infrastructureandlogistics/070420/html/070420en06010.htm)

D>C>A>B

but, maybe D is an expense relatively to others...

No one will dispute the importance of tourism to HK. But we are talking about the design of government office building. Proposal D may not be a bad idea for locations across the habour or somewhere else NOT in the heart of financial and administrative district.I am quite aware of the location thank you. I do not see why government buildings must be coporate and dull. I do not see why the financial district must be corporate and dull. A beautiful and imaginative design such as D should not be hidden away out of sight in Kowloon but put on bold display in HK's main shop window (ie the Central skyline). If HK's decision makers are as orthodox and conservative in their tastes as you evidently are then HK will quickly be eclipsed in terms of modern architecture by more daring and imaginative cities.

There are a number of very bold architectural pieces in the skyline already. Bank of China and HSBC are very visible. Lippo is a bit tucked away but those 2 towers are confidently placed in the CBD.

I know a lot of forumers here dislike Design D because of its symbolic reference to the junk and the 'Pearl of the Orient' both of which are somewhat outdated for post-colonial Hong Kong.

In my honest opinion, I believe Design D is the best. The other designs are great too but Design A is a cross between the Grand Arche in Paris and the CCTV HQ in Beijing. Design B is too simple and boxy. Its not memorable nor iconic. Design C is too 'out there' and as someone said before, its reminiscent of the Adidas logo, not to mention the building doesn't make the most use of the land. They have built the building only on half the plot of land and a park with the other.

Even though the junk and the Pearl are outdated, no one can deny that it is unique to Hong Kong and that is why I believe Design D should win.

I also find that Design D is the best. i have always loved fosters design for the opera in the west kowloon cultural district that look very similar. IMO hong kong stands for junks like no other city in asia and pics with a junk in front of the skyline are just fantastic.
This city lives from the contrast between tradition and modern style. Hong Kong is proud to have the over 100 years old Star Ferry and no one say that its outdated. A building that is shaped in the same way like a symbol of this town is a good way to make the skyline look more unique

There are a number of very bold architectural pieces in the skyline already. Bank of China and HSBC are very visible. Lippo is a bit tucked away but those 2 towers are confidently placed in the CBD.Yes but BoC and HSBC are skyscrapers. HK's modern buildings need more variety. There is the airport, conference centre, and Peak Tower but little else. A Hong Kong friend of mine went to Beijing recently and came back gushing at the amazing new buildings there. At first I was surprised. "You're from HK and you're impressed by Beijing's modern buidlings?" That was my attitude. I hate all those oppressive box-like office buildings that line Beijing's massive straight roads. I hate the way the city has prioritised cars over pedestrians. However, despite its' flaws, Beijing does indeed have a lot of cool new buildings - Foster's amazing new airport, Andreu's new opera house, the CCTV building, the Olympic stadium and water cube etc. Hong Kong doesn't have that variety of modern buildings. London is another city with a much wider variety of exciting new buildings than Hong Kong. That's why this opportunity at the Tamar site should not be wasted on some dull second-rate corporate design justified by some half-arse logic like "it's OK for cultural buildings to look cool but not for government" or "it's OK in Kowloon but not in Central". A conservative choice here will be a wasted one.

Beijing's pace of development these days mirrors Hong Kong back in the 80s and 90s. They're just at a different part of the growth curve. Hong Kong has matured and moved onto another phase. However, the two cities have a lot in common, such as regenerating older areas.

After the fiasco in West Kowloon, the government seems to be a bit more cautious about Tamar, and other large-scale projects. They seem to be more conservative, fearing a public backlash, so they're shying away from extravagence. But then, the problem was never about out of the world designs and their expensive costs. It was all about turning cultural projects into real estate property developments with a for-profit motive. That kind of thinking is flawed from the start.

^ I don't agree with your maturity argument. In terms of tall skyscraper development HK is building more now than it ever did before. When did HK ever have 3 x 300m+ towers under construction at once before? And, aside from the airport, Hong Kong didn't build any non-skyscraper modern landmark buildings in the 80s or 90s with the class of those I listed in Beijing. And London is a mature city but it has built/is building more impressive non-skyscraper modern buildings than HK over the last decade.

What examples of regenerating old areas did you have in mind? It seems to me that both Beijing and Hong Kong are more about destroying and rebuilding old areas than regenerating them. ;)

Tamar plan D is fine. If they choose that proposal I think they will create the kind of non-skyscraper modern landmark that I'm talking about. It's choosing any of the other three designs that would be a missed opportunity.

^ I don't agree with your maturity argument.

I think he was focusing on the CBD (HKI East) waterfront, when he's talking about the maturity. It has to be noted that much of the activity in HK are now based on other parts of the city (1 Island East, ICC, Nina Tower all away from the CBD)

It's a shame that the CBD construction has slowed. Just fifteen years ago we didn't have the big three (Central Plaza, The Center, BoC).
(four if you count IFC, which I dont because I left in 1997, and those were the most prominent ones before I became aware of skyscrapers in the world)

Time for some of those buildings to grow old, demolish, and rebuilt, taller and bigger!

I think he was focusing on the CBD (HKI East) waterfront, when he's talking about the maturity. It has to be noted that much of the activity in HK are now based on other parts of the city (1 Island East, ICC, Nina Tower all away from the CBD)

It's a shame that the CBD construction has slowed. Just fifteen years ago we didn't have the big three (Central Plaza, The Center, BoC).
(four if you count IFC, which I dont because I left in 1997, and those were the most prominent ones before I became aware of skyscrapers in the world)

Time for some of those buildings to grow old, demolish, and rebuilt, taller and bigger!

Becuase the aiport was in the middle of the city, highrises couldn't been built in Hong Kong Island East and the entire Kowloon Peninsula. By the mid-90s, we eventually ran out of land to build highrises. After the airport moved, the height restriction has been loosen and now we see highrises are popping up in areas where has never had a highrise before. Land values are relatively cheaper in those areas. The trend of highrise will definitley shifts from Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay to rest of the areas on both sides of Victoria Harbour.

^ I don't agree with your maturity argument. In terms of tall skyscraper development HK is building more now than it ever did before. When did HK ever have 3 x 300m+ towers under construction at once before? And, aside from the airport, Hong Kong didn't build any non-skyscraper modern landmark buildings in the 80s or 90s with the class of those I listed in Beijing. And London is a mature city but it has built/is building more impressive non-skyscraper modern buildings than HK over the last decade.

What examples of regenerating old areas did you have in mind? It seems to me that both Beijing and Hong Kong are more about destroying and rebuilding old areas than regenerating them. ;)

Tamar plan D is fine. If they choose that proposal I think they will create the kind of non-skyscraper modern landmark that I'm talking about. It's choosing any of the other three designs that would be a missed opportunity.

Although HK has been building a lot of residential skyscrapers, but the pace of commercial office space growth has slowed. Yes, there are a number of projects around the city, but they're not in the traditional CBD. ICC, Island East, and Nina Tower are all in the secondary districts. That's why the skyline hasn't moved so much whereas back in the 1980s and 1990s, there were a number of projects right in the main CBD, so the skyline changed very quickly.

Beijing is in dire need of infrastructure investments, hence a building frenzy has arisen, especially to make the 2008 Olympics deadline. Hong Kong has enough infrastructure in place from years of development, so the need for such a frenzy is not great locally. China's objective is to build big and to inspire, whereas in Hong Kong, everything must meet tight profit objectives as they are spearheaded by the business community, not by the government. Even for projects that have originated from the government, they are heavily scrutinized from both cost and revenue perspectives as if they are from the private sector. There is a lot of rumbling from the public these days on efficiently spending tax dollars.There is no shortage of major non-skyscraper projects in Hong Kong, including the new convention centre next to the airport, Skyplaza/T2, and Disneyland. But Beijing is hosting the 2008 Olympic Games, whereas Hong Kong is using these facilities for regular day-to-day activities. The design focus would be greatly different.

Exhibition Venue Location Maps

Deck Level, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, Hong Kong (from 28 March to 24 April)

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/map1_s.jpg


Thematic Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui (from 28 April to 27 May)

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/map2_s.jpg

有 議 員 批 評 添 馬 艦 工 程 披 露 的 資 料 不 足
2007-05-07 HKT 09:01
RTHK

在 立 法 會 檢 討 中 區 海 旁 規 劃 小 組 的 一 個 會 議 上 ， 議 員 要 求 政 府 就 添 馬 艦 政 府 總 部 工 程 ， 提 供 更 多 資 料 ， 令 市 民 真 正 有 機 會 參 與 。

議 員 李 永 達 指 出 ， 添 馬 艦 工 程 的 四 個 模 型 正 在 進 行 展覽 ， 但 建 築 物 會 否 導 致 屏 風 效 應 ， 是 否 達 到 環 保 標 準 ， 公 眾 能 否 經 建 築 物 通 往 海 濱長 廊 等 ， 政 府 並 無 再 提 供 進 一 步 資 料 。

政 府 並 無 派 代 表 出 席 會 議 ， 而 行 政 署 提 交 的 文件 就 指 出 ， 由 於 不 能 就 標 書 內 容 作 任 何 評 論 ， 因 此 未 能 出 席 會 議 。 又 指 出 招 標 過 程涉 及 四 家 投 標 者 ， 及 旗 下 超 過 100 位 分 包 商 及 顧 問 公 司 的 利 益 ， 必 須 小 心 處 理 ， 確保 公 平 及 完 整 性 。 而 在 招 標 文 件 中 ， 亦 禁 止 投 標 者 在 招 標 過 程 中 向 公 眾 解 釋 設 計 方案 。

Tamar exhibition moves to Kowloon Park
Friday, April 27, 2007
Government Press Release

http://gia.info.gov.hk/general/200704/27/P200704270252_photo_394997.JPG

Ever considered that a day out to the park could combine with a visit to an exhibition?

Starting tomorrow (April 28), members of the community will have such a chance when visiting the urban oasis of Kowloon Park in Tsim Sha Tsui.

This is because the exhibition of design proposals submitted by the four tenderers for the Tamar Development Project will be held in a historical building inside the Park until May 27.

A government spokesman today (April 27) said that the public could visit the exhibition at the Thematic Exhibition Gallery of the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre to give comments on the design and aesthetic aspects of the proposals, in addition to sampling the beauties of the Park and enjoying the leisure amenities there.

The Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre occupies two historic blocks of the former Whitfield Barracks which were built in circa 1910. The exhibition there will be open daily from 10 am to 7 pm until May 27 and admission is free.

Comment cards will be distributed at the exhibition venue. The public can also view the exhibit materials online at www.tamar.gov.hk and submit their comments via the website, by fax: 3106 3094, by email: tamar@cso.gov.hk, or by post: Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong (Attention: Tamar Development Project Team).

"An independent consultant has been engaged by the Government to collate and analyse all the public views collected.

"The consultant will afterwards submit a report on its findings to the Special Selection Board for the Tamar Development Project, the sole authority for assessing the tenders and deciding on the contract award, which will take these views into account before making the final selection," the spokesman said.

"The first stage of the exhibition at Queensway Government Offices has attracted more than 14,500 visitors between March 28 and April 24 while nearly 51,400 visitors have surfed the website. So far, more than 9,400 comment cards have been received at the exhibition venue and via the Internet," he said.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/asiaglobe/tamar-site.jpg

great location

Site Photos

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0008.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/IMG_0182.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/IMG_0184.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0003.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0010.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0016.sized.jpg

http://www.civicparty.hk/albums/20060430tamar/PICT0005.sized.jpg

Council snubbedon Tamar debate
8 May 2007
South China Morning Post

Government officials snubbed a Legislative Council discussion on the Tamar headquarters plan yesterday on the grounds that they wanted to avoid any perception of favouritism or misrepresentation with the tendering process still under way.

Legislators reviewing the design of Central's waterfront passed a motion to express their disappointment, and demanded officials attend future meetings to explain details of the four proposals.

The chairman of the panel on planning, lands and works, Lau Wong-fat, agreed with independent legislator Kwok Ka-ki, who proposed the motion, saying: "We need to put some pressure on the government."

The discussion covered two items: the four proposals to build a new government headquarters on the Tamar site in Admiralty, and whether the government should realign the road linking the International Finance Centre in Central and Admiralty.

Tamar will house a government complex, a building for the Chief Executive's Office and Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers and the Legco secretariat.

It is intended the contract will be awarded this year and the project completed in 2010.

The administration wrote to Legco, saying: "To avoid any perception of government favouring any particular tenderer or misrepresenting any tender details, the government has to refrain from any discussion of tender submissions. As such, we will not be able to attend the meeting."

The government has forbidden the four bidding consortiums and their consultants from speaking to the public on details of the proposals for the Tamar site.

Details and models of the four proposals are on display at the Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park until May 27. Visitors to the exhibition are being asked to fill in a form to express views about the plans.

Of the four proposals, two, if chosen, would require planning permission as they envisage placing buildings on the seaward side of the site, which is reserved for public open space in current zoning plans.

Civic Party legislator Alan Leong Kah-kit wanted the government to clarify how the board that will pick the winning tender would assess public opinion in its marking scheme. Bids will be given marks out of 100 according to their quality and price. The weight accorded public opinion will be entirely up to the board, headed by Chief Secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan.

"The government keeps stressing it is the people's Tamar. I doubt the real level of public participation here," Mr Leong said.

The Democratic Party's Lee Wing-tat said: "What we want is data to make things clear. I saw the exhibition and still have many questions."

Here is a rendering by Aboveday with Design D in the skyline along with a completed ICC.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/icc-render-2010-gov.jpg

Public viewing exercise on the Tamar designs drawing to a close
Friday, May 25, 2007
Government Press Release

The exhibition of the design proposals submitted by the four tenderers for the Tamar Development Project will close on Sunday (May 27).

A spokesman for the Administration Wing said today (May 25) that the exhibition had so far attracted more than 30,000 visitors since its opening on March 28. More than 71,000 visitors have surfed the website (www.tamar.gov.hk), and more than 13,000 comment cards, collected at the exhibition venue or via the Internet, are being processed.

The independent consultant engaged by the Government to collate and analyse all the public views collected, the Public Policy Research Institute of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will compile a report on its findings for the consideration of the Special Selection Board.

"We are grateful to the tenderers and the public for making this public viewing exercise a success. It remains the Government's aim to complete the tender evaluation process and to award the contract for the Tamar Development Project as soon as practicable within the year," the spokesman said.

Will it be the 'sail' or 'door' for Tamar?
Two designs are favourites among the public for the government's new offices
17 June 2007
South China Morning Post

Two of four designs for a government headquarters have emerged as favourites with the public, but green groups and architects are worried one will create a "wall effect" blocking air flow along the Central waterfront and that the other will be too expensive.

A source close to the tendering process for the HK$5.2 billion project at the site of the Tamar naval base said most visitors to an exhibition showing models and artists' impressions of the designs preferred the "sailing boat" proposal from the China State, Leighton-Yau Lee consortium and Gammon-Hip Hing's "door" design.

The source said: "The 'door' is quite a distinctive design. The 'sailing boat' model is a bit old-fashioned, but many people like it as they feel it represents harmony and good fung shui. Some members of the selection panel prefer the 'door', but the 'sailing boat' has an edge since it is much cheaper."

A selection panel headed by the chief secretary, and comprising legislators and government officials will choose the winning design.

The views of visitors were canvassed by Polytechnic University.

According to the tendering rules, 60 per cent of the score awarded to each bid will be based on its quality and 40 per cent will be determined by the plan's cost.

The selection panel will take into account the views of a technical committee and the public before making its decision.

Hahn Chu Hon-keung, of Friends of the Earth, had concerns about the possible "wall effect" of the "sailing boat" design.

"The 'sailing boat' design consists of two big, horizontal blocks, with their width roughly equivalent to three to four blocks of ordinary office buildings. There are also two lower blocks in front of them. It is so bad to have such a big wall, which will block the breeze from the harbour," Mr Chu said.

He said pollution in Central was already serious and the government should avoid making it worse.

Roy Tam Hoi-pong, a spokesman for Green Sense, also said the buildings in the "sailing boat" design were too closely packed. "The wall effect there is very obvious. I am surprised the government is not sensitive enough to spot this," Mr Tam said.

Vincent Ng Wing-shun, a former president of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, echoed the concern over the "wall effect" from the design. He also said it was old-fashioned.

"It is clearly an outdated image of Hong Kong. A sailing boat can no longer represent the city," he said.

Mr Ng agreed the "door" design would be more expensive than the "sailing boat".

"The gaps between the two sides of the block are quite wide and it will definitely cost more to build the supporting block across the middle," he said.

Another architect, who declined to be named, said this design might not use floor space efficiently.

"If one bureau is based on one side of the 'door' and the other on the other side, then staff have to go up to the top or down to the bottom to get to see each other," he said. "And this design means you will not have a big open space on each floor."

The head of architecture at the University of Hong Kong, Leslie Lu, agreed the "door" design would be more expensive. "A design that is out of the ordinary costs more," he said.

Mr Ng said the spacial efficiency was not a significant issue. "This can be easily solved through the distribution of offices among departments," he explained.

A government spokesman said all tenderers were required to conduct an air ventilation assessment to ensure that air flow would not be affected. Tamar will house a building for the chief executive's office and Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers' offices and the Legco secretariat.

The government's timetable calls for the contract to be awarded this year and completed by 2010.

Figures, I guess the SSC voters are like the general public.

I'm still for the sail design. I really dont like design A for some reason.

Another architect, who declined to be named, said this design might not use floor space efficiently.

"If one bureau is based on one side of the 'door' and the other on the other side, then staff have to go up to the top or down to the bottom to get to see each other," he said. "And this design means you will not have a big open space on each floor."


One good excuse to shut the doors.

Figures, I guess the SSC voters are like the general public.

I'm still for the sail design. I really dont like design A for some reason.

But I still think that design D looks too uninteresting. I mean, buildings like that appear everywhere in the world, and we do need something more special I believe.

But then... the public is used to seeing that kind of boring architecture...

But then... the public is used to seeing that kind of boring architecture...


LOL! well said.

Government on Tamar reports
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Government Press Release

In response to some media's speculative report on the Tamar Development Project, a government spokesman gave the following response:

"Whilst the interest of the public and the media in this important project is fully appreciated and welcomed, the Government wishes to stress that it is of paramount importance that the integrity and fairness of the on-going tender evaluation be safeguarded. Thus, all relevant parties, including members of the media, are reminded to avoid any comments or moves that may prejudice or be perceived as prejudicing the fairness and integrity of the tender process and that reports on the project should as far as possible accord fair and equal treatment to the design proposals for each of the four tenderers. More specifically, speculations or suggestions that any particular tender proposal is in the lead may risk being perceived by some tenderers as prejudicing the outcome of the tender evaluation and may invite challenges from the parties concerned.

"All tender proposals are subject to the determination of the Special Selection Board for the Tamar Development Project. This sole authority for assessing the tenders and deciding on the contract award will assess the tender submissions in strict accordance to a comprehensive list of criteria set out in the tender document.

"The above points are made in good faith as the Government trust that the community is as keen as itself in striving to secure the best outcome for the tender."

D and C, but i like D btter.. :D:D

Opinion : Tamar building could be envy of the world
11 July 2007
South China Morning Post

With regards to the Tamar site development, it is an opportunity for the government to do something extraordinary.

After so many years in the economic doldrums, our economy is starting to gain momentum and the government could make a bold statement with this development.

The Tamar site is one of the last prime locations and it has been argued that it could be made into a public space and this has been a cause of controversy.

However, if the administration really wants to develop this site into a government office, and if it is going to spend HK$4 billion on this project, then it might as well make it into an iconic building that Hong Kong people can be proud of.

Cities around the world have such buildings, for example the Sydney Opera House in Australia, the CCTV headquarters in Beijing, and the museum in Bilbao.

So what could we, as a world Asian city, offer to the region with this building at Tamar?

I do not believe that the designs presently on display, offer anything original. One of the suggested schemes is a reworking of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, another resembles Norman Foster's world trade redevelopment competition entry.

The third design is the ubiquitous office block and I am also unimpressed by the fourth proposed building.

A great deal of effort and time has been invested in all these schemes.

However, in the architecture profession, recognition is given to the concept rather than presentation.

Originality only can come from a visionary leader not from a group of contractors who are too timid to invest in design excellence.

This administration tries to promote creativity, so the Tamar office development should make a statement that backs such creativity.

The government should take the lead to invite the best of the best to take part in the concept competition. Once the winner is chosen we can go ahead with a design-build contract.

The competition-winning design is then immutably fixed into the design-and-build contract. The design architect would be retained by the government to do more detailed plans and control the visual aspects of the new project.

This would ensure efficiency, in terms of time spent on and cost of the project, without compromising the overall design.

Instead, the government has skipped a step, by going straight to the builders and has not made this important design appointment.

Is this a sign of government complacency?

Chim Lim, Wan Chai

But I still think that design D looks too uninteresting. I mean, buildings like that appear everywhere in the world, and we do need something more special I believe.

But then... the public is used to seeing that kind of boring architecture...

I welcome another design, just not design A, it looks like it has a gaping hole through it, what kind of light would a building like that show the government in?

I welcome another design, just not design A, it looks like it has a gaping hole through it, what kind of light would a building like that show the government in?


A truthful one...?

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/a/screen9.jpg

July 17, 2007
Development


Tamar development letter of intent issued


The Administration Wing has issued a non-binding letter of intent to Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture,(Design A) which has obtained the highest combined technical and price scores,) for the Tamar Development Project's design-and-build contract.



The project's special selection board, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration, has completed marking the four tenders received for the project against a comprehensive list of criteria set out in the tender document. The quality considerations take up 60% of the overall score and price considerations take up the remaining 40%.


The issue of the letter of intent does not necessarily mean that Gammon-Hip Hing will eventually be awarded the contract, as it is subject to the special selection board's final decision.


Planning permission

Under the approved Central (Extension) Outline Zoning Plan about two hectares of the site is designated as open space while 2.2 hectares is zoned for government, institution or community purposes.



To allow the tenderers to maximise their design creativity, the tender document provides that tenderers can propose a design that has part of the Central Government Complex or Legislative Council Complex encroaching upon the open space area. The prerequisite is that the provision of at least two hectares of public open space must not be compromised.



Since Gammon-Hip Hing's design involves encroachment of part of the complex onto the open space, it has to obtain permission from the Town Planning Board within seven months from the date of the letter of intent.


================================

政府就添馬艦工程發出意向書
2007年7月17日 HKT: 18:31
政府今日就添馬艦發展工程「設計及建造」合約，向金門－－協興聯營發出了意向書，距離正式批出合約再邁進了一步。

政府發言人表示，添馬艦發展工程評審委員會就收到的四份標書，完成了評分。以金門－－協興聯營得到最高的質素及價格總分。

評審委員會在評審標書時，考慮了招標文件中列出的一系列詳盡因素。有關質素方面的考慮佔總分的六成，其中包括設計和美感；規劃、可持續性和環境保護；以及功能和技術性的考慮。而價格方面的考慮因素，則佔總分的四成。

:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:
:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

^^ I can't believe that design win the decision!!!!! Another eyesore.

Thank goodness the awful and tacky Design D didn't win. I was beginning to worry that would happen. Design A would look good along the harbour. I hope this decision becomes final.

The issue of the letter of intent does not necessarily mean that Gammon-Hip Hing will eventually be awarded the contract, as it is subject to the special selection board's final decision.


I just read the whole thing again. It is actually not the final decision. Although the design is more favorable; but it is possible to be something else.

Not a unique design indeed ... quite a bad symbol for HK.

Definality not a bad design for a government headquarter building.

I'd rather it be more traditional than this piece of garbage.

I dont like it at all... the hole makes me feel like the government is a hollow shell, without substance, so even a breath of wind can blow through...(of course i'm aware of other interpretations, but this is how it looks to me)

I'd rather it be more traditional than this piece of garbage.

I dont like it at all... the hole makes me feel like the government is a hollow shell, without substance, so even a breath of wind can blow through...(of course i'm aware of other interpretations, but this is how it looks to me)

yeah, traditional...

I can't believe the Legislative Council Building looks like...nothing...compared to the current one.

They should think of getting an architect to design a Legco building that fuses Edwardian style with Chinese style architecture (like Government House, which does that with Japanese, British and I think Chinese). That would make HK really where "East meets West":). At least make the Legco Building more distinct from everything else...its Hong Kong's legislature afterall. But, its not like the gov't would listen since they only gave Hkers 4 choices :ohno: .

Definality not a bad design for a government headquarter building.

Hey dude looks like we're about the only ones who favoured this design above others!

Ahhh.... and we have Mr.Architect (vvill) supporting us too :P

Hey dude looks like we're about the only ones who favoured this design above others!

Ahhh.... and we have Mr.Architect (vvill) supporting us too :P


Dont forget InitialD18!

the language of 1 is quite direct and relevant i think... it spells openness, transparent, framing hong kong ... actually think its quite different from cctv ... i like how the space is framed and how the grass deck reaches out ... however the grass deck might be a little too big if you have to cross under it ... very modern ...

Yahoo design A won! i voted before reading the results. Indeed it looks fabulous!

Bad choice. :(

^^ why?

^ Because it's a wasted opportunity to build a much more attractive and popular building (design D).

Indeed... sigh...

I'd rather it be more traditional than this piece of garbage.

I dont like it at all... the hole makes me feel like the government is a hollow shell, without substance, so even a breath of wind can blow through...(of course i'm aware of other interpretations, but this is how it looks to me)

this is really down to your own personal interpretation - obviosuly no design can satisfy everyone and indeed, it gives people a sense of openness and allows wind to channel through the hole which is positive for the area.

design A is by far superior to the rest though it isn't perfect really - say for the LEGCO building - i appreciate it being how it looks like externally but im sure it'll feel rather claustrophobic being inside the debating chamber and it's a bit odd having square tables for the round hall anyway - hopefully they'll give a bit more thought when they refine the design. scottish parliament is a great starting point and furnitures in the debating hall are designed to complement the architecture.

also it's nice for a hk practice to win the project and if they really end up doing a great job with the building - it may help raising international recognition of hk local architects - and indeed rocco's the best in terms of design atm. (1 peking road / citibank tower / macau's star galaxy hotel / tst mall - former hyatt regency)

glad design D wasn't chosen in the end though - or we're gonna get one tacky addition to our skyline...

TOTAL VICTORY!


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/arch-1.jpg


http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/arc-de-triomphe-2.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q144/aboveday2006/Brandenburg_Gate_2.jpg

http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment05-600.jpg

It's just funny how our responses are in two extremes. A or D, then either completely hate or love one of the others. I totally agree with vvill it's really a personal point of view in how to read the designs.

For this winning design, I don't see it being open but high above. The Executive Branch is sitting high above ground representing it has more power than the judicial and legislative branches. HK gov't is supposed to have the "checks and balances" system according to the Basic Law in words, not leading by the Executive Branch as interpreted by the People Congress in voice.

Another big thing I dislike it is its shape. It is too rectangular. Yes, from up close, there is an opening under the building, something difference; but I think it looks too similar to the CCTV tower in Beijing. And if you view from the side and/or far, it's just another big box building sitting at the harbour front. Even straight across from TST promenade, I doubt the opening stands out either as Admiralty Centre sits right behind it. The building doesn't stand out in the skyline. I am not looking for something high like 2IFC, but something not rectangular box like the AIG buidling but still stands out and unique. And I do question how well the openings can lead airflow in the area as it sit just meters in front of another building.

Anyways, the government has made its choice, but I do want to know how the decision was made base on what requirements. (Even I am still very unhappy with the choice.)

It's just funny how our responses are in two extremes. A or D, then either completely hate or love one of the others. I totally agree with vvill it's really a personal point of view in how to read the designs.

For this winning design, I don't see it being open but high above. The Executive Branch is sitting high above ground representing it has more power than the judicial and legislative branches. HK gov't is supposed to have the "checks and balances" system according to the Basic Law in words, not leading by the Executive Branch as interpreted by the People Congress in voice.

Another big thing I dislike it is its shape. It is too rectangular. Yes, from up close, there is an opening under the building, something difference; but I think it looks too similar to the CCTV tower in Beijing. And if you view from the side and/or far, it's just another big box building sitting at the harbour front. Even straight across from TST promenade, I doubt the opening stands out either as Admiralty Centre sits right behind it. The building doesn't stand out in the skyline. I am not looking for something high like 2IFC, but something not rectangular box like the AIG buidling but still stands out and unique. And I do question how well the openings can lead airflow in the area as it sit just meters in front of another building.

Anyways, the government has made its choice, but I do want to know how the decision was made base on what requirements. (Even I am still very unhappy with the choice.)

i think it'll actually be quite a nice and unique building when it's built. i mean certainly it's not gonna be as fancy as the CCTV in beijing because they're playing with the structure and cantilever there and the floor space won't end up being efficient at all (which clearly isn't what hk government is after) while the tamar design is just a simple spanning structure at the top which is not overdone but still unique in its own sense.

to be honest, all they've done in AIG is just by tappering one side of the building so that it looks a bit more dynamic - and certainly they've put a lot more effort into the government hq than that... :)

for a government bldg - there's definitely a huge improvement compared to the very awful central library. =.=

For this winning design, I don't see it being open but high above. The Executive Branch is sitting high above ground representing it has more power than the judicial and legislative branches. HK gov't is supposed to have the "checks and balances" system according to the Basic Law in words, not leading by the Executive Branch as interpreted by the People Congress in voice.
Actually, the Chief Executive's office is not located at the top of the main building. It's inside the short building across the lawn from the Legislative Council chamber. The main building is where the civil servants work.

for a government bldg - there's definitely a huge improvement compared to the very awful central library. =.=

indeed, it is a big step forward, especially the "selection" process.
i would like to see more and more of these in the future.

Actually, the Chief Executive's office is not located at the top of the main building. It's inside the short building across the lawn from the Legislative Council chamber. The main building is where the civil servants work.

the Executive Branch is more than just the CE office.

the Executive Branch is more than just the CE office.

The CE and all the executive council staff are in the short building, not the tall one. The complex was deliberately designed to form a "symmetrical balance" between the executive and the legislature. The civil service, which is distinct from either branches, occupies the main tall building in the middle.

A looks great with grass and huge space on street level. The fat junk in D is kind of bulky, and his elliptical ball makes me sick. It is a chicken egg, not a pearl.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen1.jpg

i think the design looks like the city call ...
like bauhaus-esque ...

TOTAL VICTORY!


http://starphotohk.com/hk-place/2007/20070328-TamarDevelopment05-600.jpg

Wow that design is so damn ugly. What happened to the "sail?" That was much better looking. :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:

A looks great with grass and huge space on street level. The fat junk in D is kind of bulky, and his elliptical ball makes me sick. It is a chicken egg, not a pearl.
http://www.tamar.gov.hk/proposal/d/screen1.jpg

Thank God,that fat jank has sunk off Victoria Harbour with that ugly egg.LOL!!!

I might have liked D more than now if they didn't have that ugly egg... but still I like design A most anyway.

Perhaps the HK Gov't wanna use the way as Paris for two Arches Structure on both coastal line of the Victroria Harbour!!! :D :D :D

-- Note: I voted Plan B in this thread.

Ugh, I'd rather it be B than A...

Another thing I don't like about A is how it keeps getting compared to the CCTV building in Beijing, but as someone mentioned, not as "grand"...

great, so now our government can't even compare to Beijing's TV station?! And why can't Hong Kong have a building in it's own character, rather than a copy of another building?

The Beijing one looks more stylish too, this one looks like some kid playing with blocks, and plopped them onto each other...

Aesthetically, symbolically, metaphorically, and creatively speaking... this building fails... :(

It's just funny how our responses are in two extremes. A or D, then either completely hate or love one of the others. I totally agree with vvill it's really a personal point of view in how to read the designs.

I noticed the two extremes too, now I'm not so sure about D, I liked it more than the other ones, but it wasn't the best that HK could get, but certainly A is no good.

For this winning design, I don't see it being open but high above. The Executive Branch is sitting high above ground representing it has more power than the judicial and legislative branches. HK gov't is supposed to have the "checks and balances" system according to the Basic Law in words, not leading by the Executive Branch as interpreted by the People Congress in voice.


I haven't looked at it this way, but in a way, you can see the IFC, BoC, etc standing high above it, in Hong Kong, money rules!

The building doesn't stand out in the skyline. I am not looking for something high like 2IFC, but something not rectangular box like the AIG buidling but still stands out and unique. And I do question how well the openings can lead airflow in the area as it sit just meters in front of another building.

It will allow airflow to the road right behind it, no doubt... I agree with you, I love the way the AIG building is. I don't need it to be radical like the BoC building was, but something better than another old block...

Legco seeks $20m in Tamar move
26 July 2007
Hong Kong Standard

The Legislative Council is seeking a one-off HK$20 million grant from public coffers to set up a task force to monitor the construction of the Legco complex at Tamar, the president of the legislature said yesterday.

Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai said after a Legislative Council Commission closed- door meeting that members had agreed the money would be spent to ensure everything _ from the design of the future chamber to its chairs _ met their requirements.

The team will also oversee the entire moving arrangements from the Legco building in Central to the future waterfront site in Wan Chai.

Most members of the seven-strong task force will be chosen from the Legco secretariat staff because of their familiarity and experience with legislative procedures, said secretariat assistant secretary-general Pauline Ng Man- wah. The team will be led by an assistant secretary-general while an outside architect will be hired.

Ng said the work of the task force will take place in two stages _ from March 2008 to September 2009 and from October 2009 to December 2011.

The application for funding approval will be sought by September.

City University political analyst James Sung Lap-kung accused Legco of asking for too much.

``I don't think this is a wise way to spend public money,'' Sung said.

He said problems could be minimized by legislators strengthening communication with the government's administrative wing, which was already focusing on improving its working relationship with Legco.

Chinese University political analyst Ma Ngok said the funding application was a reasonable request even though it reflected mistrust between Legco and the government.

The Democratic Party's Fred Li Wah-ming said the money is needed to ensure the smooth opening of the new Legco building in 2011.

``We want to ensure nothing goes wrong,'' said Li, a commission member, noting that Legco has a high level of transparency in dealing with money matters.

Li added that a few hundred thousand dollars alone will needed to pay for the government-assigned architect.

The government last week issued a nonbinding letter of intent to the Gammon-Hip Hing joint venture _ one of four bidders for the Tamar development _ after the venture obtained the highest combined technical and price scores. The controversial HK$5.2 billion project is expected to be completed in 2011.

Apart from the main SAR government office building, the project includes construction of a new Legco chamber as well as a building for the secretariat and lawmakers.

The new Legco complex will be a cone-shaped building wrapped in glass, with a lily pond flanking a dining hall.

Fan also said Legco will apply for an extra HK$14.9 million of recurrent funding in the next legislative year to make contract staff from various divisions _ including legal services, council business and public information _ to become permanent.

She said the money will also be spent on hiring extra staff to share the increasing work burden, in particular that of translators.

Fan added the vehicles for Legco's president and secretariat chief will also be changed in April.

She said the existing chairs inside the chamber _ more than 80 _ will be changed. Some lawmakers claim the chairs are giving them back pain.

The new chairs will cost around HK$3,300 each, or in total about HK$250,000.

Tsang brothers team up on Tamar project
19 July 2007
South China Morning Post

It is an open secret that Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen is extremely keen to see the new government headquarters complex at the Tamar site get off the ground. Now, with the selection of a Gammon-Hip Hing joint venture for the project, his brother is also a major stakeholder. Former police commissioner Tsang Yam-pui is executive director of New World Service Holdings, of which Hip Hing Construction is a member. Both are under the umbrella of New World Development. Aside from his management expertise, pundits are suggesting the younger Tsang's police background could be a big help in security aspects of the complex, a matter dear to the government's heart. If all goes smoothly, the new headquarters could emerge as the joint signature project of the Tsang brothers when it is completed in 2011. The choice of the joint venture's towering, arch-shaped design, known as The Door, was announced on Tuesday.

Well if we can't have D then at least A is the second best design. B was just so bland and forgettable and C looked positively ugly and even sinister.

I think it's nicer than the Arche de la Defense in Paris. It's not as exciting as the CCTV building in Beijing but it has a better location.

^^ It sure isn't anywhere as exciting as the CCTV Tower but I'm quite sure that if the CCTV Tower was to be built in HK as the HK gov headquarters they would say it's too expensive and have the plan rejected anyway.

^^ It sure isn't anywhere as exciting as the CCTV Tower but I'm quite sure that if the CCTV Tower was to be built in HK as the HK gov headquarters they would say it's too expensive and have the plan rejected anyway.

^^ Hong Kong become Tokyo, you just can't build anything nowaday.:lol: :lol:

^^ Gov. headquarter requires requesting funding from the LegCo to spend tax money in the reserve. If it's way too expensive, the LegCo can reject the proposal for its cost. Unlike privately funded project which can build whatever they want as long as it's legal.

Both government and private sector projects come under heavy economic constraints. But to justify huge funding for a new government HQ, they must do it when the economy is doing well (ie. now) and start putting the shovels into the ground before the cycle changes.

Enter HK's controversial Door
Vince Chong, Hong Kong Correspondent
23 July 2007
Straits Times

THE Hong Kong administration has finally unveiled a winning design for a controversial HK$5.2 billion (S$1billion) government headquarters at the waterfront Tamar site, next to the famed Victoria Harbour.

The towering design, known as 'The Door', marked a strong start to Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang's second leadership term, which he began just this month after a landslide re-election win in March.

The approved design has also been seen as a symbol of political determination, following setbacks suffered by city officials in recent years over key proposals such as a goods and services tax (GST) and a giant cultural hub, which were shot down by strong dissenting voices.

'The Door', which was chosen last Tuesday from four contenders, marked an overcoming of detractors who had long complained about the city's high building density that has led to more traffic congestion, narrow streets which trap street pollution, and the lack of green, open space within the city.

Pollution is a big issue in Hong Kong, and has been blamed for the departures of foreign talent, especially those with young families.

A contract to build the headquarters - a building for the Chief Executive's Office and Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers and the Legco secretariat - will be awarded this year, following further scrutiny of the design.

Work is expected to be completed by 2010.

The project in the prime district - first mooted by Hong Kong's first chief executive Tung Chee Hwa in 1998 - has taken a decade to get off the ground.

The then HK$4.85 billion project was subsequently shelved in 2003, with the city's economy crippled in quick succession by the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, and the 2003 Sars outbreak.

When Mr Tsang took over as Chief Executive in 2005, he revived the plan as the city began to experience economic recovery.

It is estimated that the Tamar project will help create some 30,000 jobs in the construction sector.

However, opposition from some sceptical lawmakers, as well as environmental and conservation activists, further delayed the project, with some calling it a 'white elephant' and a waste of taxpayers' money.

Unlike other more controversial proposals, however, the government managed to push this one through after convincing the public and lawmakers that it would do its best to ensure that the structure coexists with its environment, and not spoil it.

In finally obtaining legislative votes last year, officials pledged that the public's views would be heeded with the reduction of the project's height and density. Detractors were also assured that the project would have no long-term environmental impact.

A public consultation on the final Tamar designs attracted some 13,000 views - from people who filled in comment cards on the designs - which were said to have contributed to deciding the winning blueprint, though these have yet to be released by the government.

The proposals for the GST - to be tentatively set at 5 per cent - and a cultural hub did not even reach legislative voting, because of public opposition.

Many feared the proposed tax would erode Hong Kong's competitiveness as a shopping hub. Others were against a cultural hub project being tendered to a single private developer, which would have stood to gain from the profitable residential and commercial space that was included in the project.

City University professor James Sung said a key factor for the approval of the controversial Tamar project has been Mr Tsang's re-electionwin.

'He just started a fresh leadership, and this has given him more of a mandate to see through this project,' he said.

Ironically though, architects told The Straits Times, the debate between activists and officials has 'compromised' design quality.

'It has to be conservative now in order to please both the public and officials, most of whom know nothing about architecture,' said Hong Kong University architecture professor Lee Ho Yin, noting that 'The Door' resembles an 'outdated' French design made famous two decades ago.

'It is such a waste as the project could have been an iconic landmark like the Sydney Opera House or the CCTV Tower in Beijing.'

Tamar plan keeps the public away
Design for headquarters gives the chief executive an exclusive entrance
11 August 2007
South China Morning Post

The public will not use the same entrance as officials at the new government headquarters at Tamar, a detailed design unveiled for public consultation yesterday shows.

An exclusive entrance, on a different street from the public entrance, will be reserved for Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and other designated VIPs.

Critics said the design was not public-friendly and questioned the absence of a demonstration area for protesters.

But security experts said the arrangement had been made to minimise risks that might arise from public protests.

The government issued a letter of intent to Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture last month, and the company submitted its detailed design of "The Door" project to the Town Planning Board on Monday.

The design was released yesterday for a three-week public consultation, after which the board will discuss it for two months.

The developer's statement said no parking facilities would be provided for the general public. The public and the press would use a drop-off area, next to the East Wing of the government complex on Tim Mei Avenue, and would have to go through a security check on the ground floor.

The officials' entrance on Tim Wa Avenue is at least 150 metres away.

The master layout plan also shows that the low-rise office block, where the chief executive will work on the third floor, is surrounded by pools and a landscaped island. It is four storeys high plus one storey below ground.

Other officials will work in the higher office block - 27 storeys plus two storeys below ground. The planning statement said an open space would provide access to the public 24 hours a day.

The plan does not show an area for gatherings and protests, nor the underground pathway linking the Legislative Council building with the government complex, as suggested earlier in the tender document.

But a government spokesman said it would later come up with special arrangements for large-scale activities or rallies, as well as staff and public access, with consideration given to the operational and security needs that are appropriate for a government headquarters.

Human Rights Monitor director Law Yuk-kai wondered whether the complex, even if it were accessible to all, would be as open as the existing headquarters.

"My feeling is that the design as a whole is very unfriendly to protesters," he said.

"[Government officials] can keep their ears shut and eyes blindfolded. It would make them immune to public influences."

Medical constituency legislator Kwok Ka-ki agreed: "They are building this moat, a body of water, like medieval castles in Europe. I am worried that this moat will be used like a barrier."

Political analyst Ma Ngok, of Chinese University, said the so-called public engagement had been a slogan. "The administration has always been selective in communicating with the public," he said, adding that the exclusive entrance simply "fits their long-serving practice".

But Glenn Tracey, managing director of security firm G4S Holdings, said locating the chief executive's office on a low floor with an exclusive entrance was probably to ensure easy evacuation. It would also help keep demonstrators isolated at another location of the complex.

Democratic Party member James To Kun-sun said a chief executive can always find ways to avoid facing protesters or receiving petitions, even under the existing arrangements. "It depends on the chief executive and whether he himself has the will to meet the public," he said.

'The Door' has little impact on air flow
11 August 2007
South China Morning Post

Hailed as the best among the four designs submitted to the government, "The Door" also proved to have little impact on urban air flow, a study commissioned by the winning developer, Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture, said.

But the new government headquarters at Tamar might affect the air quality of areas to the south of it, including Queensway, because of reduced wind speed. It said the reduction was insignificant and the conditions met the government's technical guideline that the wind speed of the surrounding area should exceed 1.5 metres per second 50 per cent of the time.

Wind-tunnel testing was done to measure the change of wind speed at pedestrian level throughout the site and the surrounding area. It was based on long-term statistics recorded at the Waglan Island station and a study by the University of Science and Technology.

Results show places along Harcourt Road, such as Harcourt Garden and the Drake Street bus depot, will have a higher wind speed, which dilutes air pollutants. The deflected wind flow channelled around the new buildings of the government and the Legislative Council complexes caused the stronger wind.

But the development will lower the wind speed of places along Queensway, such as the public transport interchange at Admiralty. The situation is particularly serious in winter, during north or northeast winds.

Within the site, several places are identified as stagnant zones.

But the study said development designs were amended to minimise wind problems. The permeability of the design allowed northerly winds to maintain the breezeways between the waterfront and the Harcourt Garden area.

Central and Western District councillor Kam Nai-wai said leaving Tamar as a green, open space was the most desirable option.

I like the winning design, though Libeskind's one was much better. The final one looks too much like CCTV HQ in Beijing.

I like the winning design, though Libeskind's one was much better. The final one looks too much like CCTV HQ in Beijing.

The final one is the winning one.

Umm.. why Design A..?
It doesn't fit to Hong Kong's skyline. The park design is park, but not the building.

Design D was the best of them :colgate:

From news.gov.hk:
Joint venture wins Tamar project (http://news.gov.hk/en/category/administration/080110/html/080110en01001.htm)

-- We've waiting this for a long time.

so very disappointed :-(

So very excited.

Public in favour of rejected Sail design
Legislators question delay in revealing people's preference for Tamar theme
11 January 2008
South China Morning Post

It's official: the public prefers The Sail over The Door for the design of the new government headquarters.

A Polytechnic University study released by the government yesterday shows the sailing-boat design of the China State, Leighton-Yau Lee consortium came out "narrowly ahead" of The Door.

The China State joint venture's design features a sailing-boat and a "pearl" to house the Legislative Council chamber.

The government announced The Door as the winner last July, but refused to disclose the public choice until yesterday.

The contract has already been awarded to Gammon-Hip Hing.

Director of administration Jennifer Mak Yee-ming said yesterday The Sail was rejected after the cost and environmental factors were also considered.

But she refused to say if the HK$4.96 billion cost of The Door - 4 per cent less than the HK$5.17 billion budget set by the government - was the lowest.

When The Door was chosen, building experts predicted the cost of the design could rise to HK$5.8 billion. The actual cost will depend on the construction materials used.

Four options were exhibited from March to May.

Public views were collected through comment cards, exit polls at exhibition venues, telephone polls and written submissions. More than 14,000 comment cards and 37 written submissions were collected, while about 8,000 people were interviewed through exit and telephone polls.

According to the analysis of the public views, the total mean score from the comment cards for The Door was 20.53, while the score for The Sail was 20.8.

The exit poll gave a score of 8.66 for The Sail, compared with 8.42 for The Door.

Similar results were seen in the telephone poll, the report says, adding the difference was less than 1 percentage point.

When it comes to qualitative analysis, the report says The Door design had 3,404 positive comments, 38 more positive comments than The Sail.

It concludes that The Sail is narrowly ahead of The Door because greater weighting should be given to exit polls, in which samples were randomly taken.

But Ms Mak yesterday disagreed that The Sail was the most popular proposal.

"When we look at both quantitative and qualitative results, the scores of the two proposals are very close," she said, adding that the public had focused mainly on the aesthetic aspect of the designs.

Asked why the government did not pick the public's choice, Ms Mak said the selection panel had considered other factors including construction cost, environmental impact and technical aspects.

At a special Legislative Council meeting, lawmakers also criticised the government for not releasing the results of the public consultation until yesterday morning.

They urged it to leave room for amending The Door's design if necessary.

Ms Mak said amendments that might cost more and take more time would be difficult to agree to, adding that a detailed plan of the Tamar site should be ready by the end of this year.

Although The Door might not be the public's favourite, it has been well received by the planning and architectural professionals.

The government issued a letter of intent to Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture in July and its detailed design was then approved by the Town Planning Board.

Greens hail Tamar plan as lack of protest space hit
11 January 2008
Hong Kong Standard

Green groups yesterday applauded natural elements to be included in the government headquarters at Tamar.

But some lawmakers expressed concern about the level of access that the public will be allowed at the new complex. Green Sense welcomed the plan to make Tamar the most environmental- friendly of government buildings.

``We are glad to hear the government will use more natural energy such as green air ventilation and natural lighting,'' said the group's project manager, Gabrielle Ho Ka-po.

``Other environmental-friendly measures like a sky garden and water- saving devices are also great ideas. Such green moves should be encouraged.''

Ho, however, said the area reserved for grassland should be modified to allow more trees to be planted, since trees will support a larger ecosystem than grass.

Greenpeace climate and energy campaigner Frances Yeung said the government made a good start in thinking green. ``The proposal is a step in the right direction to halt climate change and is a good role model for other buildings in Hong Kong to follow.''

She also noted that the government had vowed to conduct an energy audit, or carbon audit, for the project. That was suggested in the chief executive's policy address last year.

The green group hopes too that the government will try to reduce the carbon emissions of the complex to zero as well as extend the energy audit policy to all new buildings.

Yet lawmakers are concerned about how wide the gates of the complex will open, especially for public protests.

Although half the 42,000 square meter site will be open areas, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Wing-tat said that, with such spaces scattered between buildings, people could not gather in large numbers to make their voices heard.

He asked: ``What if 5,000 people wanted to gather in front of the headquarters? Is this possible?''

Lee also said that since Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen was calling it ``a government headquarters for the people,'' the public should be allowed to tour the headquarters by appointment, like at the US White House.

Jennifer Mak Yee-ming, director of administration, said the government had to wait for the detailed plans of the new site before making arrangements concerning protest areas.

``We have to strike a balance between the government's use of the site and a place for people to make their views known,'' she said.

For now, she thinks a multi-purpose room in the complex's low block may be open to the public.

Civic Party lawmaker Alan Leong Kah-kit questioned the possibility of making changes to the plan since the government has already signed a contract with Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture.

Mak said any change may lead to delays and a higher cost.

The Legislative Council's development panel will arrange another special meeting to look into the project in detail.

The Door is like 70s architecture.....what a waste of a prime location in a supposedly the best skyline in the world!

Green-friendly, but carbon-neutral issue up in the air
11 January 2008
South China Morning Post

The Tamar government headquarters will be environmentally friendly but officials could not say yesterday whether it will be carbon-neutral.

Being carbon-neutral means carbon dioxide generated from the site will be offset by environmentally friendly measures.

It is also not known where protesters will be allowed to gather until the detailed design is unveiled by the end of this year.

An official promised to strike a balance between public rights and security issues.

Rocco Yim, architect of The Door, said the design was environmentally friendly in various ways.

Apart from the large green area for public use, there would be green roofs, sky gardens and vertical planting walls for the government and Legislative Council buildings.

Water features, such as a lily pond and fish ponds, would give a cooling effect via evaporation to lower day-time temperatures. Rainwater would be collected for irrigation and the design of the actual "door" would allow air to flow from the harbour to the business district.

For energy efficiency, photovoltaic panels would convert sunlight into electricity on the rooftop to provide renewable energy for site usage.

A computerised lighting system and service-on-demand escalator would avoid energy wastage. For example, office lighting would be automatically adjusted according to daylight penetrating the office.

Materials such as a double-layered ventilated facade and special glass curtain wall would reduce temperatures inside and hence cut the use of air conditioning.

Metal rather than bamboo scaffolding would be used in the 39-month construction period to minimise waste.

Lawmaker Lee Wing-tat said the government headquarters should be carbon-neutral. He also urged the government to disclose the location intended for public protests.

Director of administration Jennifer Mak Yee-ming said she could not comment on the carbon-free issue and the government was still deciding whether to demolish the existing government offices.

The project is expected to be completed by May 2011.

Goddam it, I get so angry everytime I read about this carbon-neutral, environmentally friendly garbage.

RTHK News:
Tamar security features kept under wraps (http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/news/englishnews/20080226/news_20080226_56_470955.htm)

well if the public opinion was so close between the door and the sail now I'm pissed. That door is soooo freaking 70's!

^^ I love the 70's, retro u know? :)

立會新大樓太大 記者扑咪要狂奔
(明報) 03月 19日 星期三 05:05AM


【明報專訊】Emily經常要到立法會 「跑新聞」，跟各位尊貴議員收風、打牙骹，但日後立法會新大樓添馬艦落成後，相信會困難得多。



噚日，立法會秘書處為記者安排一場新大樓簡介及諮詢會，Emily與行家們最關心係將來可唔可以好似依家一樣，容易跟議員接觸或者捉實官員回應。秘書處話會大樓內設多個記者區，方便大家採訪。

美中不足就係新大樓實在太大，單係由記者室通往會議廳門口走廊就較現時長幾倍。Emily心諗，日後記者室聽會，如果突然要去追官員及議員，便要以9秒9速度追趕，諗起都覺得辛苦。

會議廳記者席分兩層

除會議廳，其他會議室安排亦有改變，日後記者將唔能夠坐會議室內聽會，要到上層記者席。一旦有風吹草動，記者同樣要以9秒9速度跑樓梯往下一層追訪，認真考記者腳力。

另外，記者最關心係早前有說指政府官員可經由地底停車場「秘道」直上會議廳，避開門外示威者。秘書處話，大樓的確有這秘道，但會於秘道入口裝置智能卡系統，最終會否向官員發卡則未決定，但傾向要求官員們光明正大、行正門入立法會。

秘書處將成立隊伍拍攝會議

最後係有關逢周三由港台 電視部拍攝大會安排，將來遷入大樓後，秘書處將會「飛起」港台，成立自家攝影隊，拍攝大會及其他會議情。

D is over the top and kistchy.

I'd go for the cleaner lines of A.

Plans for the New Central Harbourfront with Tamar Project

http://www.mingpaonews.com/20080412/12gh602.gif
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh255/aboveday2008/criii.jpg
http://i258.photobucket.com/albums/hh255/aboveday2008/criii-layout.jpg

http://www.pland.gov.hk/p_study/prog.../index_eng.htm

when will the construction start?

certainly design B

Smog-filled sky backs artist's billboard vision for Tamar
6 July 2008
South China Morning Post

A depiction of the completed Tamar government complex at the Central construction site shows the future buildings set against a hazy background - an unintentional reminder of concerns that the structures could add to the city's pollution problem.

The image appears as part of a billboard for the Tamar Development Project, a HK$4.9 billion effort to erect new government headquarters by 2011.

Tamar architect Rocco Yim Suen-kee has contended that his "door" design is environmentally friendly with a focus on energy efficiency, green spaces and water conservation. But before construction even began on the complex, Clear the Air, a Hong Kong-based non-profit group, suggested the complex could hurt the city's air quality.

The group has not budged from its position, saying the structures will not only draw in more vehicles, but will also trap exhaust by helping to create a "canyon" effect.

Asked about the new billboard, Clear the Air chairman Christian Masset replied: "It's a reminder of the deterioration to come. We should go towards improvement, but with this project we go towards deterioration."

The government disagreed, and offered its own explanation for the sign and its background.

"The Tamar Development Project has incorporated a large number of green features. When commissioned, the Central Government Complex of Tamar will be one of the greenest government buildings in Hong Kong," according to a statement from a government spokesman.

"The design of the signboard is an artistic impression produced by our architect. The background is blurred so as to highlight the different components of the Tamar project - the Central Government Complex, the Legislative Council Complex and the green open space. There is no haze or 'pollution'."

A spokeswoman for the Gammon-Hip Hing joint venture - which was awarded the Tamar contract - concurred with the government, expressing the same sentiments about the purpose of the sign and touting the many environmental benefits of the project.

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model1.jpg

http://www.tamar.gov.hk/images/model2.jpg

Technology's role in clean, green buildings
18 August 2008
South China Morning Post

The operations of Hong Kong's high-rises account for about 24 million tonnes in annual greenhouse gas emissions. Hong Kong's first guidelines for conducting carbon audits on buildings were officially launched last month. This is a great step towards a greener environment, which will enable users and managers of buildings to calculate the amount of greenhouse gas their buildings emit. It will lend further impetus to the government's emissions-reduction campaign.

A carbon audit will be conducted on the Central Government Complex at Tamar and private developers have also been encouraged to do the same.

Hong Kong, with its high proportion of high-rise buildings, is typically considered to be heavily reliant on electricity. Developers are extremely sensitive to initial capital costs, and prefer only the most established technologies and building methods. Other concerns include reductions in efficiency and a decline in our stature as a world-class centre to do business.

However, this is a misconception. The fact is that the majority of our high-rises are of relatively recent origin. Most can easily be technology-enabled. It is, after all, technology that can help developers and building managers reduce emissions without sacrificing efficiency or performance.

Most of the energy consumed in Hong Kong's buildings actually goes towards building operations, powering heating and air-conditioning systems, electric lighting, and information and communication technology equipment. The best method for improving building performance is through the integration of systems. Smart buildings equipped with sensors can monitor the amount of sunlight coming into a room and adjust indoor lighting accordingly, or turn off air conditioning and lights when rooms or floors are empty. They can oversee other functions such as security, fire suppression and lift operations.

Buildings that are integrated in this way - so-called "connected" buildings - are both smart and green. Integrating information and electrical technologies can help building owners and operators boost environmental performance dramatically. In the case of new buildings, this has the benefit of lowering building operating expenses, reducing land use, increasing energy efficiency and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Collaborative technologies create virtual offices or mobile spaces that allow workspaces to be redesigned, reducing square footage per employee, and per capita use of equipment and IT infrastructure. Wi-fi technology can be used to manage air conditioning and reduce cabling, leading to reduced electricity consumption.

As with other initiatives with ramifications for society as a whole, there is a need for enlightened public-private partnership in green initiatives related to buildings.

With the right public policies and industry initiatives, our buildings could really help clean up the air - and we wouldn't even notice.

Barbara Chiu is general manager of Cisco (Hong Kong and Macau)

Contractor sings the praises of green Door
1 October 2008
South China Morning Post

Numerous energy-efficient features have been introduced into the design of the new government headquarters at Tamar, the contractor says.

And when the HK$4.9 billion waterfront edifice is completed, the effectiveness of these features will be tested regularly with a carbon audit to monitor the building's green credentials.

Gammon Construction director Danton Lee said yesterday that the arch-shaped nature of the building - known as The Door - would allow air to flow through.

He said the headquarters had also been designed with green-carpeted open spaces and water features to improve the micro-climate of the site.

The facade will feature green roofs, shading devices, double-layered ventilated glass and clear glass curtain walls to reduce heat absorption and keep the temperature down inside.

The contract to build the headquarters - incorporating a building for the Chief Executive's Office and Executive Council, a new chamber for the Legislative Council and a building for lawmakers - was awarded to Gammon-Hip Hing last July.

Expanding on the green features, Mr Lee said natural light funnels would minimise the use of artificial light, while photovoltaic panels and solar screens would generate electricity and cut power consumption.

He said the building would be supplied by fresh air from outdoors when the temperature and humidity were low enough in winter, and an energy-saving seawater cooling system would also be installed.

Occupancy sensor appliances would be installed to adjust the air conditioning and switch off lights when no one was in the room to reduce the energy waste.

By Jaroslaw and first posted on SSP.

Anyway, three recent pics of the new city hall under construction. Photos taken through the golden glass of the Far East Asia Building:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jaroslaw1/DSC_5548Large.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jaroslaw1/DSC_5546Large.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i246/Jaroslaw1/DSC_5545Large.jpg

^^ Insane!! 11 cranes on a single construction site with 3 or 4 piling machines. :nuts::nuts::nuts: Looks like a crane parking lot, more than construction site. It's really building against time, huh.

I hate the design. I really really hate it. :-(

I hate the design. I really really hate it. :-(

Yea, but they better make it up by fronting the harbour nicely! :)

灣仔建行人天橋 會展連接添馬艦
7月2日 星期三 05:48

【明報專訊】隨着中區海濱發展和沙中線興建，未來灣仔、中區一帶將有更多人流，政府正計劃耗資2.4億元，興建一條近一公里長的行人天橋，連接灣仔入境事務大樓和添馬艦，計劃於2014年建成。沙中線會展站將於2019年落成，屆時市民可透過新天橋，「有瓦遮頭」地徒步來往灣仔、金鐘、會展3個車站，而中途無任何紅綠燈；有城規會委員更指出，市民將來甚至可由灣仔徒步東至北角，西至半山。

根據運輸署提交立法會文件，政府正計劃沿告士打道和夏慤道北面興建一條行人天橋，由現有入境事務大樓直達將來的添馬艦新政府總部，市民可再沿添馬艦外的現有天橋，步往金鐘地鐵站、大會堂、甚至是中環等地；會展站將設於鷹君中心對開的巴士站地下，將來市民亦可透過現有天橋和新天橋，前往灣仔或金鐘地鐵站。

長遠盼東抵北角 西至半山

灣仔區議會主席吳錦津指出，現時已有多達9條天橋橫跨告士打道南北岸，但就一直沒有行人天橋連接灣仔東西兩面，市民沿告士打道走往中西區，要穿越幾條馬路才能到達。他表示，灣仔入境事務大樓天橋興建多年，橋上已非常擠塞，「有人派傳單，又有人拉生意」，有需要興建多一條天橋。

他指出，新天橋連接3個鐵路站，將成為灣仔區交匯點，市民來往3個車站沿路都不會有紅綠燈阻隔，天橋亦有蓋，相信落成後使用率非常高。身為工程師的城規會副主席黃澤恩表示，政府正發展中區海濱用地，將預留用地作海濱長廊，長遠可能直達北角；新天橋的走向正好和海濱長廊平衡，亦提供通道連接車站和中區海濱。

雖然天橋將建於車流不息的告士打道上，曾多次替政府建造行人天橋的黃澤恩表示，建橋可一晚即蹴，不會影響行車。他指出，政府近年都在內地訂好橋樑組件，封路一晚，把組件架起鑲好，工人再花數小時燒焊，天橋就已牢固，路面即可解封。此後，工人就可直接在橋上進行鋪地板、欄杆等裝修工作。

路政署透露，計劃興建一條高架行人道，連接信德中心和中山紀念公園，黃澤恩稱，一向爭取政府再建道路，連接該段路和中環半山蘇豪區，若然成事，將來市民甚至可透過天橋和海濱長廊，東抵北角，西至半山。

明報記者 古治雄

立會新大樓 料2011落成
29 October 2008
文匯報

經過一波三折才得以落戶添馬艦的新立法會大樓，已經開始「動土」，預計2011年落成，屆時與政府總部相聯，將成為香港又一矚目地標。新一屆立法會秘書處昨日與傳媒午膳時，也共話新大樓，秘書長吳文華笑說，今屆議員都期待能有機會在新大樓辦公，故希望能夠於2012年初「進駐」，但一切還要視乎工程進度，並以不影響立法會運作為大前提。

體貼記者 有專用辦公桌

說到新大樓，Pauline不忘提醒傳媒，第二輪諮詢將於11月舉行，且大樓的設施亦會便利傳媒採訪，包括為每家報紙「專設辦公桌」，讓記者毋須「霸位」已有獨立工作位置﹔保證每個工作位置都能夠容納到兩名記者於同一時間工作，在會議廳及會議室門外亦設有採訪區，更會窩心地準備數張椅子，令記者不用久站苦等。

不過，最令記者開心的，應該是「唯一通道」，到時記者毋須左穿右插地圍堵議員、高官，皆因大家都要經「唯一通道」進出立法會。Pauline笑說：「一定讓大家有機會逮住議員作回應。」

下月開放日「與民同樂」

另外，11月29日立法會開放日亦有新搞作，Pauline透露，屆時將打破過往參觀式的慣例，一於走入群眾，加設「與民同樂」環節，包括以電腦遊戲方式與市民互動，令市民可以更生動地了解立法會運作，另外會邀請議員充當「布景板」，除了負責帶團之外，於市民排隊時還可以與議員合照。稍後秘書處將去信各議員，由他們去選擇現身的時間。

War bomb find clears offices
Hong Kong Standard
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

http://the-sun.on.cc/channels/news/20081118/img/sn08111802_big.jpg

A World War II bomb buried by history and dug up by construction workers yesterday was safely detonated by police.

The bomb was found at about 9.30am by a worker at the Tamar site in Admiralty where new government headquarters are being built.

A police bomb disposal unit spokesman said the fuse of the bomb had been damaged, making it dangerous to move.

Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bureau officers first blew open the casing of the bomb to remove the explosives and then set off another to destroy the fuse.

The spokesman said the 0.5-meter long, 32-kilogram bomb could have caused serious damage and casualties within a 100m radius.

About 200 people were temporarily evacuated from the area and Lung Wui Road, which separates the site from Citic Tower, was partially blocked for several hours.

A police spokesman on site praised the care with which workers handled the situation and evacuation.

He said more bombs may be found at Tamar and stressed that other munitions - a legacy of heavy fighting during World War II - could be unearthed at sites across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

However, the spokesman said risk at Tamar is "not high" and a full search for explosives is unnecessary.

"It is very difficult to do a full search," he said. "The construction will continue and Gammon [the contractor] will be careful and follow proper procedures."

He added that construction work on the new government facilities involves digging deep enough to find any leftover explosives.

Work at the site resumed yesterday afternoon and a spokeswoman for the Administration Wing said no delays are expected.

Construction at the Tamar site began in February and is expected to be completed by 2011.

"Piling works started in July this year and some 40 percent of the bored piles have been completed," she said.

In September the British Consulate General on Supreme Court Road was evacuated when four wartime cannons were found on the Victoria Barracks site in Admiralty.

In September last year, 800 people were evacuated from North Point when a large war-era bomb was found.

Explosives from the World War II era are still found across the world, from Osaka to east London in a striking testament to the scale of the conflict.

I hate the design. I really really hate it. :-(

Me too. I was hoping they can still do the sail design but oh well. I don't control what goes on in Hong Kong.

^^ Insane!! 11 cranes on a single construction site with 3 or 4 piling machines. :nuts::nuts::nuts: Looks like a crane parking lot, more than construction site. It's really building against time, huh.

I counted 12..hehe:lol::lol:

環境局介入 助新政府總部節能
29 November 2008
香港經濟日報

【本報訊】添馬艦新政府總部被揭發沒訂明環保節能目標，引起政府內部關注。據了解，環境局已主動介入，希望可協助行政署在新總部設計上，訂明一些基本節能目標，有需要時亦可新增適用的環保技術或裝置。

本報昨日報道行政署早前收到意見，指新總部聲稱有21項環保措施，但並無訂明節能目標或可再生能源比例，質疑新政府總部也不帶頭推動環保。

有關意見更提出一些可提升節能成效的方案，惟遭行政署以沒有額外資源為理由拒絕。

遭質疑不帶頭推動環保

有政府高官昨日坦言，倘行政署是因立法會已批52億元撥款，為免超支而拒絕加碼新增可行的環保措施，這是不太應該的。該官員指，環保技術日新月異，倘有無限資源，一定有改善空間；但也不應因資源有限，便甚麼都不做。

據了解，環境局將提供協助，評估如何適當地提升環保效能，或訂下一些基本目標，如照明節能表現起碼要達某個水平。

但該官員亦坦言，明白行政署的難處，尤其是像新政府總部如此大規模的工程，標書一定已列明每項工程及費用，當中的環保措施已做得很好；倘需加碼引入更先進的技術，很可能所費不菲，會有超支問題，「政府當初去立法會申請，很辛苦才獲批52億元，要再增加撥款很不容易。」

The winning design has that corporation feel attached to it.
It's a shame they've chosen this one,the others were way better and more pleasant than the boxes.

How HK could copy Big Apple's green lung
Bold plan suggests linking island's existing parks
10 February 2009
South China Morning Post

In a bold plan for Hong Kong's central business district, the local architect who designed the new government headquarters has called for the city's parks to be linked together to form a large green network comparable to New York's Central Park.

Calling on the government to draw up a new metro plan to guide the city's design, veteran architect Rocco Yim Sen-kee, whose "The Door" design was selected for the new government headquarters at Tamar in Central, said: "People hope to have more parks. But instead of asking for more, why don't we look for a large one with quality?"

Mr Yim's aggressive plan would link up three urban parks - Victoria Park, Hong Kong Park and the Zoological and Botanical Gardens - with the future Central promenade and the great lawn at the new government headquarters to form a green network spanning more than 30 hectares in the city's core business area.

He proposed connecting the individual parks with wide, landscaped decks and boulevards covered with trees, forming an extensive green lung for the bustling central business district and improving air quality.

In his preliminary plan, a green deck could be built from Victoria Park to the promenade in Causeway Bay, which the government already plans to connect to the new Central waterfront. Mr Yim's design for the new government headquarters would see its great lawn linked to the Central waterfront.

The other link would require more government effort. Apart from connecting the government headquarters with Hong Kong Park by filling the missing links from the great lawn to Admiralty Centre and government hill, the chief executive would have to give up a small part of Government House for a link from government hill to the botanical gardens.

"People can simply walk directly from government hill to the botanical gardens if our chief executive would lend us a small part of his Government House," Mr Yim said. "The linkage would only occupy his staff quarters."

Asked if the plan could be too aggressive and difficult to implement, Mr Yim said it did not involve private land but would need further surveying to turn it into reality.

"All we need is determination," he said, adding that he would advocate the idea to the government and cite Tamar as an example of how it could be done.

"We don't have a large park like Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London. But we can sew the existing green patches together, turning it into a unique feature of our city," he said.

Hong Kong has 1,450 urban parks and resting areas but its largest park - Victoria Park - covers only 19 hectares, compared with Central Park's 341 hectares and Hyde Park's 142 hectares.

Mr Yim said the local parks were not well designed and the city's green ratio was below average.

"Green space design is just one of the many aspects of a city's urban design, we need an updated metro plan to guide our development approach," he said.

"Do we want higher buildings? Do we want more greenery in urban areas or just country parks in rural areas? To what extent should we preserve heritage buildings?"

He said the existing metro plan was formulated in the 1990s and had not kept up with changing social aspirations - which now preferred a more balanced development approach.

Chair professor of geography at the University of Hong Kong Jim Chi-yung said the idea of creating linear parks has been widely adopted overseas, including in Taiwan, Japan and Singapore.

"In Sapporo, urban parks are connected skilfully with natural greenways planted with abundant trees," he said. "It is like entering a small forest."

A Planning Department spokeswoman said it had reviewed the metro plan in 2003 and had proposed providing attractive and convenient pedestrian links between the waterfront and major parks. That thinking would be incorporated into district planning work.

By fatshe from skyscrapers.cn :

http://api.photoshop.com/home_11e5fbb8309740b9aa8ad5872ce63dff/adobe-px-assets/8dd1ae3e814f4f18938a389f3fe248c4

Opinion : State-of-the-art
24 April 2009
South China Morning Post

I refer to the letter by Gareth Jones ("Solar panels for Tamar HQ?", April 22) on green features for the Tamar development project.

The government is committed to making the central government offices at Tamar one of the greenest government buildings in Hong Kong.

We have incorporated a number of environmentally friendly measures and energy- saving building service features in the project. These include solar electric panels, green roofs, roof/sky gardens, double-layer ventilated facades, energy-efficient sea-water-cooled chiller plants, recycled rainwater landscape irrigation, service-on- demand escalators, daylight sensor controls, high-efficiency lamps with electronic ballast, and computerised lighting controls.

The overall design of the project also illustrates a careful consideration of the surrounding environment.

The buildings are positioned to form a major breezeway from the harbour to the inner city area in the form of an "open door" that will optimise the harnessing of daylight and inter-block shading against sunlight for indoor spaces.

The north-south layout of the open space, known as the "green carpet", enhances visual permeability through the site and maintains good air ventilation in the area even after the buildings are constructed.

We will assess the environmental performance of the Tamar development project from a comprehensive and holistic perspective.

It is our requirement that the project should achieve the highest grade (that is, the platinum grade) under the Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment Method of the HK-Beam Society, indicating that the energy performance in various aspects has to reach an "excellent" level.

After commissioning, the government will also conduct a carbon audit on the central government offices and implement an emission-reduction campaign to further reduce its greenhouse gas emission.

Winnie Wong, for director of administration

HK$113m price tag put on Legco expansion
23 May 2009
South China Morning Post

Extra working space at the new government headquarters on the Tamar site, requested by lawmakers, will cost HK$113 million, the administration says.

Legislators have been asked to make a final decision by the end of this month on whether they want the extra space to be added to the complex, on which work has already started. This is so arrangements can be made at the site for preparatory work, which will cost another HK$3 million.

The extra 1,415 square metres of operational floor area would include a constitutional library, an archive, studio for language interpreters, photography room and office space for Legco secretariat staff.

The addition of one floor would need vetting from the Town Planning Board and funding approval from the Legco Finance Committee by the end of the year. The new complex for the legislature is scheduled to be completed in 2011.

Meanwhile, the Town Planning Board yesterday supported the government's proposal to slash the development intensity at the future cross-border railway station in West Kowloon and to use it as a high-grade office hub.

The advisers also asked the administration to require in the planning brief that the developer must ensure the four office towers on the site would not prevent wind from reaching Jordan, to the east.

They urged the MTR Corporation, in designing the entrance hall of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link terminus, to ensure that it not stand in the way of a 40-metre-wide north-south wind corridor on the site.

Planning Department officials assured the advisers that the MTR Corp was required to keep a very low density for all above-ground rail structures. All car park spaces would be built underground, they said.

The outline zoning plan, incorporating the revised parameters, will be exhibited for public consultation.

By bextra from skyscrapers.cn :

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu111/bextra_skyscrapers_1/IMG_1190.jpg

By 鄧麗欣之戀 from skyscrapers.cn :

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/20080316_aec1a70eeb7951ad71edarDCUYjPaO7o.jpg

http://www.skyscrapers.cn/forum/attachments/20080316_71dc74145be5c7e56b53cfWlMbMu3Se7.jpg

新立會大樓 申億元擴建
23 May 2009
香港經濟日報

【本報訊】添馬艦新立法會大樓未施工已有擴建計劃，立法會最近統計日後運作所需的總樓面面積時，認為尚欠近2.7萬平方呎，希望立法會財務委員會額外撥款1.13億元擴建新大樓。

欠2.7萬呎樓面 須月底落實

行政署提交立法會發展事務委員會的建議文件指出，由於工程已進入打樁階段，為添馬艦新政府總部設計及施工的承建商金門建築，希望政府本月底前決定是否落實擴建，因為新增樓面涉及加建1層。若5月底之後才決定，已完成的樁帽、地庫、柱和樓板便要作廢，重新建造，浪費逾億元成本，工程時間也會延誤9至12個月。

有關擴建包括增加2,300多呎圖書館面積、1,500呎立法會資料室、1,100呎手語繙譯員使用的錄播室和攝影室，及近7,900呎秘書處辦公室。其中秘書處辦公室需增加1層，其他樓面則可將1層高樓底改成兩層樓面解決。

行政署發言人表示，新政府總部工程如火如荼，但各個大樓在設計初期已預留擴建空間，故其他部門仍可修訂樓面使用的設計要求，但最遲要在今年底前決定。

新立會大樓 申億元擴建
23 May 2009
香港經濟日報

【本報訊】添馬艦新立法會大樓未施工已有擴建計劃，立法會最近統計日後運作所需的總樓面面積時，認為尚欠近2.7萬平方呎，希望立法會財務委員會額外撥款1.13億元擴建新大樓。

欠2.7萬呎樓面 須月底落實

行政署提交立法會發展事務委員會的建議文件指出，由於工程已進入打樁階段，為添馬艦新政府總部設計及施工的承建商金門建築，希望政府本月底前決定是否落實擴建，因為新增樓面涉及加建1層。若5月底之後才決定，已完成的樁帽、地庫、柱和樓板便要作廢，重新建造，浪費逾億元成本，工程時間也會延誤9至12個月。

有關擴建包括增加2,300多呎圖書館面積、1,500呎立法會資料室、1,100呎手語繙譯員使用的錄播室和攝影室，及近7,900呎秘書處辦公室。其中秘書處辦公室需增加1層，其他樓面則可將1層高樓底改成兩層樓面解決。

行政署發言人表示，新政府總部工程如火如荼，但各個大樓在設計初期已預留擴建空間，故其他部門仍可修訂樓面使用的設計要求，但最遲要在今年底前決定。

So has this been confirmed?

Notice the Tamar crane on the right :

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd343/vickycheng108/IMG_0844.jpg

http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd343/vickycheng108/IMG_0842.jpg

Author : http://www.vickycheng.org/dc/

高架行人道連添馬艦
8 August 2009
星島日報

運輸及房屋局宣布，興建橫跨金鐘夏慤道及添美道的高架行人道，為行人提供便捷的通道，往返添馬艦。工程昨天刊憲，預計今年稍後展開，二○一一年年中竣工。工程包括興建一條橫跨夏慤道的高架行人道，以連接添馬艦及鄰近海富中心的行人路，以及興建一條橫跨添美道的高架行人道，以連接將來的添馬艦及現有的中信大厦高架行人道系統。工程並涉及興建與高架行人道相連的自動梯、樓梯及升降機。

新政府總部申請加建五層，增１６萬平方呎樓面
2 August 2009
經濟通新聞

政府回應立法會議員意見，就添馬艦政府總部及立法會綜合大樓發展用地，向城規會申請擴建，額外增加約１６萬平方呎樓面，用以把立法會綜合大樓高座由１０層增至１５層，加建５層樓面。

城規會早於２００５年１０月批准添馬艦建政府總部及立法會綜合大樓計劃，地盤以東興建立法會綜合大樓高座及低座，西面則興建樓高２７層的政府總部大樓高座，以及樓高４層（另設１層地庫）的政府總部大樓低座。

該項目０５年１０月獲城規會批出規劃許可，佔地約４５﹒２１萬平方呎，地皮規劃為「政府、機構或社區（４）」及「休憩用地」，可建總樓面約１３９﹒０３萬平方呎。

雖有關發展正進入詳細設計階段，但為回應議員意見，現向城規會提出修訂。根據項目最新的發展方案，地盤面積約４５﹒４４萬平方呎，增加２，３００平方呎，按地積比３﹒４１倍發展，可建總樓面約１５４﹒９９萬平方呎，較前方案增加１５﹒９６萬平方呎。《香港經濟日報》

Planners to approve extra five storeys for new Legco building
18 September 2009
South China Morning Post

The five-storey expansion of the new Legislative Council building at Tamar is likely to win initial approval from town planners today, despite objections from a Hong Kong-listed mainland company that owns an office block behind the site.

The expansion will equip Legco with a constitutional library, an archive, a studio for sign language interpretation and press photo rooms. It also allows for a possible increase in the number of lawmakers - from 60 to 120. The administration proposed the plan after lawmakers requested extra space to allow for more users. It will raise the height of the building from 63 to 85 metres, with 15 storeys.

The directors of Goldon Investment, owner of the Citic Tower in Tim Mei Avenue, filed an objection with the Town Planning Board on the expansion plan during a public consultation. The directors are also executive directors of Citic Pacific.

In its submission, the company said the proposal would "further block the sea view from the west side of Citic Tower". It would also block the penetration of sunlight to the middle and lower zones on the west side of the tower and intensify the "wall effect", it added.

However, the Planning Department, backing the expansion, said: "In the highly developed context of Hong Kong, it is not practical to protect private views without stifling development opportunity and balancing other relevant considerations.

"In the interests of the public, it is far more important to protect public views, particularly those easily accessible and popular to the public or tourists."

The expansion will also add a Tamar cafe, part of it outdoors, on the second floor of the government office block, connecting to an extensive lawn dubbed the "Green Carpet".

The 265 square metre cafe will be open to the public, and will add variety and vibrancy to the public open space, the department said.

Designing Hong Kong, an NGO concerned with urban design, expressed support during the consultation but urged the government to consider a subway connection between Tamar and a commercial tower in Admiralty to improve pedestrian access. The existing plan to land the walkway on a pavement was a less direct route to inner Admiralty, it said.

The government rejected the suggestion, saying it would involve road closures. The Town Planning Board will discuss the plan today.

The Tamar development will house two government office blocks as well as Legco. It is expected to be operational by 2012.

Remember that they are building a Government Complex. Not a 5-Star Hotel nor a Fancy Casino. I also chose "D" Design but when I realized that it was actually a government complex, I changed my mind and went to "A" design. this just my opinion.

By 鄧麗欣之戀 from skyscrapers.cn :

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Public urged to use new Legco site library
26 November 2009
South China Morning Post

The library in the future Legco building, which requires an additional area to accommodate improved services, is targeting more public users.

With the establishment of a constitutional library and additional Legislative Council archives, an additional 360 metre square is needed to meet the requirements for the new facilities.

To cover the rising cost for additional space and other new facilities at the Tamar development project, which will house the new Legco complex, the legislature's public works subcommittee will, on Wednesday next week, discuss increasing the approved budget by about HK$360 million.

Speaking to the media about the latest interior designs for the Legco complex yesterday, the legislature's secretary general, Pauline Ng Man-wah, hoped the expansion of the new Legco library - to three times the current size - would attract more users from among the public.

"The constitutional library will have a collection of books from the mainland and Europe, comparing history of legislatures and parliamentary rules. This will be interesting for scholars from overseas, the mainland and local universities," she said.

The current Legco library is used mainly by lawmakers' assistants, staff of the Legco secretariat and by reporters.

Regarding the establishment of Legco archives, Ng said she was hoping to collect original historic documents on the legislature during colonial rule. Such documents are kept by the government, while the Legco library only has copies.

The public works subcommittee will discuss increasing the estimate for the project by HK$359.8 million, to about HK$5.5 billion.

Apart from additional space for the Legco complex, extra money is needed for incorporating a number of new items in the Tamar development project, including additional environmental and energy conservation measures, artworks and a cafe.

Meanwhile, interior designs for the future Legco chamber, dining hall and ante-chamber will be studied by the Legco Commission at today's closed-door meeting. The Tamar development project includes construction of the Legco complex, two office blocks for the central government complex, an open space with minimum area of two hectares for public leisure, and 500 car parking spaces. The new Legco complex consists of a low block accommodating the Legco chamber, a high block for lawmakers' offices, and the Legco secretariat.

Work for the project is scheduled for completion in mid-2011.

Bid to torpedo new Tamar HQ sunk
The Standard
Thursday, January 21, 2010

A one-man bid to halt building on the new government headquarters at Tamar was blown out of the water at the Legislative Council yesterday.

Tourism sector lawmaker Paul Tse Wai-chun's motion proposing that government offices be spread across the territory to promote diversified economic benefits was rejected by both the pro- establishment and pro-democracy camps as financially and environmentally wasteful.

In the end the non-binding motion got only one vote - from Tse himself.

"My main hope is that the new government offices located near the border area could create double central business districts," he told the legislature.

Tse also said the Tamar site is valued at about HK$67.8 billion and may compensate for the cost of building the controversial Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

But Chief Secretary Henry Tang Ying-yen said stopping the work now would be both wasteful and inconvenient for many reasons.

Five floors of the new government building have already been built and the new Legco basement is also finished, Tang said. "If we stop the project now, we will have to compensate the contractors. The buildings would have to be demolished."

He added: "It would also violate environmental principles...We considered the traffic, the convenience for the government officials and the public when we decided the location."

He said 60 percent of the work has been completed and buildings may be available for use from late next year.

Civic Party chairwoman Audrey Eu Yuet-mee said her party does not support the idea of having the new government headquarters and Legislative Council at the Tamar site but it is too late and wasteful to stop building now.

Cheung Hok-ming of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong also agreed that Tse's suggestion has come too late.

"We suggested building the headquarters at Kai Tak but later we accepted the government's proposal," Cheung said.

Wong Kwok-hing of the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions said workers would lose their jobs if the project is stopped so the group could not support the motion.

Some people are simply idiots. What is left in the city center when you take the government offices, exhibition facilities, transport hubs and cultural attractions all away from it? A city center is only a city center when it offers substantial synergy and interwoven urban fabric. If you are really serious about expanding the urban core of Hong Kong, then make West Kowloon work with intelligent urban planning!

I guess the important thing is people with different opinions are free to voice out, and the public can then debate its merits.

NWS Holdings goes big on infrastructure
25 January 2010
The Standard

NWS Holdings (0659) intends to increase the proportion of infrastructure business to around 80 percent of its operations within two to three years on the back of its rapidly growing mainland businesses.

Executive director Brian Cheng Chi-ming said NWS' capital expenditure averages HK$2 billion to HK$3 billion every financial year. It has already spent HK$1 billion and is looking into some water and highway businesses.

NWS _ along with partners including state-owned CRCT and the world's largest container manufacturer, CIMC _ will invest a total of 12 billion yuan (HK$13.66 billion) on building 18 rail container terminals. Three _ in Kunming, Chongqing and Shanghai _ are now operational.

``All terminals will be completed in 2012,'' Cheng said. ``There will be positive attributable operating profit in 2015.'' He projects total revenue to be HK$6 billion to HK$7 billion each year upon full operation.

The terminal joint venture targets a throughput increase in Kunming of at least 30 percent this year.

Rapid economic growth and the closure of a nearby terminal boosted throughput to 1,000 TEUs, or 20-foot equivalent units, per day this month.

NWS has also teamed up with French utility firm Suez Environnement and Chongqing Water Group to supply water and treat sewage in Chongqing.

``This year we target to reach HK$200 million [of attributable operating profit],'' Cheng said. ``You can calculate that there is over 10 percent growth each year.''

The joint venture expects double- digit increases in both water production and sale volumes. In addition to recycling sludge as cement, fuel and fertilizer, the treatment plant aims to use hydropower generated at the site to supply 15 to 18 percent of total energy consumption by the end of this year.

An extension to the plant will start operating next year to increase capacity from 300,000 cubic meters per day to 400,000 cubic meters.

As for Hong Kong operations, Cheng said NWS will book one-off revenue from the sale of a stake in Taifook Securities (0665) in the second half of this financial year. He believes the sale is good for all parties.

NWS has obtained more liquidity and can streamline its structure to concentrate more on infrastructure, Cheng said.

The conglomerate will decide whether to sell the remaining 9percent stake in Taifook based on long-term considerations.

Cheng added the firm's main focus in Hong Kong is the HK$5 billion Tamar government headquarters project. NWS also recently secured a Tseung Kwan O Hospital revamp project.

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2/25

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The height of the main building will be probably 131.2m, according to the official website.
http://www.admwing.gov.hk/tamar/chi/design.htm
The information is shown in the pdf file.
Thus, this thread can be moved to the "Highrises"~

http://www.admwing.gov.hk/tamar/chi/design.htm


So they've decided on the CCTV building look alike......

Pruned within an inch of their lives
21 March 2010
SCMP

Two banyan trees outside one of Hong Kong's "greenest" building sites are anything but, after contractors illicitly topped most of their emerald-bedecked branches.

When it was announced in January 2008, The Tamar Development Project in Central was billed as "one of the government's 'greenest' complexes."

Yet today, the naked trees stand out against the sunflower-laden billboards touting the project's environmentally conscious construction.

The builders at the Tamar Development Project in Central hacked the trees back without government authorisation, according to a Development Bureau spokeswoman.

Contractors are required to apply to the District Lands office before pruning, felling or transplanting trees.

In this case, the government never received an application from site contractors, Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture and Pegasus Greenland Ltd, according to the bureau spokeswoman.

After citizen complaints and a government inquiry, Gammon-Hip Hing Joint Venture told officials that its landscape subcontractor, Pegasus, discovered dead branches on the two trees and decided to prune them to improve their health and ensure public safety considerations.

Contractors are required to comply with government guidelines on tree pruning, which describe the types of pruning, safety measures and pruning techniques to deal with diseased or decayed branches, which may pose a health or safety hazard.

If trees are found to be affected by disease and/or pests, government workers and contractors are supposed to apply "appropriate treatment to make them recover". But in the case of the Tamar banyans, "I would call it vandalism rather than tree care," said Jim Chi-yung, chair professor of geography at the University of Hong Kong.

"This kind of chainsaw cutting can be done in a matter of minutes. If you do it the proper way, it may take half a day or more to do one tree," Jim explained.

"It's like going to a barber shop. The barber can cut it all off in one go. Or he can use smaller scissors and do it more carefully, with a much better result."

And if dead branches posed a safety hazard before, the chainsaw cutting has only worsened the problem for the future, he said, because the exposed cuts are "beautiful landing sites" for fungal infections, which cause 90 per cent of tree decay.

Banyans can live for a thousand years without difficulty if not mistreated, but an infection can destroy a tree in five to 110 years, Jim said.

Banyan trees are a source of spiritual and literary inspiration throughout Asia. Hindus consider the banyan tree sacred and Buddha is believed to have achieved enlightenment under a ficus religiosa, a relative of the Chinese banyan. The Lam Tsuen wishing trees in the New Territories are also banyans.

For Jim and other environmental activists, the Tamar banyans symbolise the dissonance between Hong Kong's environmental policies and its stated "green" aspirations.

For six years, Jim has been asking the government to enact a tree ordinance that he said would more effectively regulate the preservation and care of trees.

Tree ordinances are common in North America and Western Europe. In Asia, mainland China, Taiwan and Singapore have enacted similar laws.

The issue drew public attention in 2008, when a young woman was killed when a branch from a 100-year-old tree snapped and fell on her in Stanley.

A task force headed up by the chief secretary for administration found the existing system "generally adequate" and that there was "no need" to introduce a tree ordinance. "They never learn," Jim said of government regulators.

"This kind of lopping or topping cannot be accepted, and yet they've continued to do this for years. The government is still silent. It doesn't want to outlaw it."

When the Tamar Project was announced in January 2008, Chief Secretary for Administration Henry Tang Ying-yen declared that it would be "one of the government's 'greenest' complexes".

The Tamar plans include solar electricity panels, an automatic refuse collection system, seawater-cooled chiller plants, green roofs and about two hectares of public open space.

Melanie Moore, a local resident who reported the Tamar banyan cutting to the government earlier this month, questioned the implementation of those plans.

"They talk about improving the environment and beautifying the area. The reality is that there are these two beautiful banyan trees and someone's gone and chopped all the branches off," she said.

"Clearly, the vision that they portray in writing is much different than the reality."

By fatshe from skyscrapers.cn :

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Truly depressing.

Construction staff to win from labour shortage
10 June 2010
SCMP

Improved worksite environment, pay rises, more job training and free herbal tea are just some of the extra benefits for staff that big construction companies are coming up with, faced with a possible labour shortage by 2012 or 2013, when most big infrastructure works begin.

Gammon Construction, a big contractor in Hong Kong, has already started training shot-firers - who skilfully conduct explosions - to prepare for a surge in demand amid increased tunnelling work ahead.

"Trainees needed to handle 12 blasts before they can be qualified shot-firers, and you don't get these chances very often, so it's time to start training them now," executive director Yu Sai-yen said.

There are only about 34 shot-firers in Hong Kong - grossly insufficient for the upcoming projects, including the high-speed rail link to Guangzhou. The 26 kilometre Hong Kong section is to be mostly 20 metres underground.

Operators of tunnel-boring machines too will foreseeably be in high demand in the next few years. And the daily wage of bar benders - skilled workers important in the early stage of works - is expected to jump by some 10 per cent to around HK$1,100 next year.

But the chief executive of Paul Y. Engineering Group, Dr Stanley Wong, said wages and training were not the only means to attract and retain talent. "You also need to offer a dignified work environment," he said. "They shouldn't be ashamed that they are construction workers."

The group is considering building more bathing facilities and mobile toilets for its workers. Gammon's chief executive, Philco Wong, is committing to more: "We are making our construction sites cleaner and safer; in some sites we even serve cool herbal tea to our staff; there are covered areas where they can relax and rest during work breaks."

Under a recent scheme to boost workers' morale and sense of belonging, main contractors will also get a subsidy from the government to produce uniforms for workers.

Meanwhile, Gammon engineers at the new Tamar government headquarters, which the contractor is racing to complete by next year, have a pleasant task: to test the best grass for a lawn that will connect the harbour to the door - an iconic feature. Staff are being told to tread on four grass samples to test their durability.

7/31

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The new twins tower~

Truly depressing.Why? The cladding looks decent. It will be a new landmark building for Hong Kong.

Why? The cladding looks decent. It will be a new landmark building for Hong Kong.

Because it could've been so much better. It's a gonna be a landmark regardless just because it's the gov't HQ, but it says nothing about Hong Kong :-(

What about the tamar project ? Is there any update ? I really don't understand why so many people against this project ?

Because it could've been so much better. It's a gonna be a landmark regardless just because it's the gov't HQ, but it says nothing about Hong Kong :-(I also preferred the sail design. However the more I look at this gate design, the more I like it almost as much.

I also preferred the sail design. However the more I look at this gate design, the more I like it almost as much.

That's call compromising. We don't have a choice but to compromise :-(

8/27

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8/27

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Looking pretty nice with the progress. Love to see the wide sidewalk, and wonder what is it gonna be just in front of the Post Office.

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Source : http://www.fotop.net/ASMP/

Government determined to ruin the only greenery left in Central
24 September 2010
SCMP

In 2007, the Society for the Protection of the Harbour campaigned to defer the Tamar government office project until it could be properly debated in Legco and scrutinised by the public.

The government ignored the public outcry and pressed ahead. It took over the Tamar site, which was a large piece of land reclaimed from the harbour and which should have been reserved for enjoyment by the public instead of by officials.

Our society feared that there was a secret purpose behind the government moving its offices to Tamar, which was to release the extremely valuable Government Hill land in Central and sell it to developers. This was despite the government knowing that office and commercial developments erected there would aggravate traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and overcrowding in Central and that such an approach would be irresponsible town planning.

Your report ("Skyscraper plans for Government Hill site", September 18) confirmed our worst fears. The only greenery left in Central will be replaced by more office blocks and malls. The environment of this historic and charming part of Hong Kong, which includes the present Central Government offices, Government House and gardens, the former French Mission Building and St John's Cathedral and grounds, will be gone forever.

The government's justification is that Hong Kong needs more prime office space in Central. This is ludicrous. There is always a need for prime office space in any major city centre. A few more office buildings cannot satisfy the need for expansion of our central business district.

The answer, as the government well knows, lies in decentralisation just as many major modern cities have done. For example, London has successfully developed Canary Wharf as a second business district. Hong Kong has the chance to do the same now at the former Kai Tak airport site, which has ample land and is ideal for such a purpose.

The government also relies on the argument that the land sales will bring in more revenue. But Hong Kong is not so poor that it needs a few more billion dollars at the cost of degrading its city centre.

The end result of the administration's action in moving its offices to the reclaimed Tamar site and then selling [part of] Government Hill to developers is that these developers will indirectly benefit from harbour reclamation while the public will suffer both the loss of a vital part of the Central harbourfront as well as the site on Government Hill.

This is contrary to the spirit of the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance and the Harbour Planning Principles promulgated by the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee, which prescribe that the harbour and harbourfront should only be for public needs and public enjoyment.

The government's present proposal reaffirms the public's perception that it is more committed to the interests of a small circle of real estate developers than to the people of Hong Kong.

Winston K. S. Chu, adviser, Society for Protection of the Harbour

Why don't we have a construction thread on this??

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http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1262/5101340684_93b38cb6d1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54972786@N05/5101340684/)
IMG_3223 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/54972786@N05/5101340684/) by skyscraperspicytimothy (http://www.flickr.com/people/54972786@N05/), on Flickr

The black cladding looks really weird ...

I think it's just some kind of prep thing for the glass that's coming later...

I thought it was dark blue glass?

11/8

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the door is taking its shape.

Nice progress. Can't wait to see it finished.

Transcript of CE's remarks at question-and-answer session of Joint Business Community Luncheon
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Government Press Release Excerpt

Following is a transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the question-and-answer session of the Joint Business Community Luncheon at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (November 3):

Question: David for Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Hong Kong. We represent the property profession. We welcome your new policies on housing, and particularly that you address the core problem here which is the new supply. So we would like to thank you for that. However, there is another sector where I think we have a similar problem which is the supply of grade A office space, not only our rents now, again the most expensive in the world, but it is now becoming difficult for major space users to find office space in Hong Kong, which obviously will have a knock-on effect with the employment prospects, and these are not people who want to go into converted industrial buildings in Kowloon Bay, now I am just wondering what the government policy is gonna be to ensure we have enough land for prime offices going forward.

Chief Executive: Well, the Hong Kong area is built up, particularly in the central business district, but thank you for raising this. We must have balanced development, for instance, in the redevelopment in Central area there, redevelopment of the Central Government Offices, we have already planned that we are going to preserve one whole block, the East Wing and the Main Wing of the Central Government Offices when we all move to Tamar in summer next year. But the West Wing would be converted for commercial use. This is under consultation at the moment. But some politicians are saying well, sorry we don't need it, but we should turn it into a turf and raise lambs and cattle. We must make a balance somewhere. In Central areas, we have taken away from a land sale programme the redevelopment of Central market as you know. This is being converted into something which becomes a little lung and a recreation area for the business community in Central area, and that would take away some commercial development space there. But I hope the West Wing of Central Government Offices will be the next input into the market, and that is important. The business community, the professional bodies should make your case clear. I believe there is a need for it because our business community cannot stand still, particular commercial centre, the heart of Hong Kong cannot stop upgrading itself and we must not price ourselves out of the regional business market by allowing rents to rise to impossible levels. For that reason, further input would be necessary, and we must make sure adequate supply, and I would do that. But you have to help me. Some of these development plans is open for consultation. You then express your views. Let the environmentalists express their views. Let everybody speaks up and then at the end of the day, I am sure we will get a good compromise. But I agree entirely with you now we embark on the redevelopment in any region, we must not ignore the needs of the business sector as well. We must not ignore the needs of the middle class to buy homes. We must not ignore the need of the grassroots people to have public housing. We must not ignore the needs of the business sector to have somewhere to operate the business. And we will do that. But we all have to speak up because when we try to move to Tamar, people argue that we should not go there, that should again be another park for raising cattle. And this would be another war we need to fight as well. I believe we have provided sufficient green and we are going to provide more green in Central. But we also need new office space.

How the project is getting along ? any news, updates ?

Legco security guards to triple on Tamar move
27 October 2010
South China Morning Post

The number of security guards used by the legislature will triple when its new headquarters opens on the Tamar site in September next year.

Pauline Ng Man-wah, Legislative Council secretary general, said the sheer size of the new building, which will be four times the size of the current one in Central, warranted a bigger security presence.

Legco staff said Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen would probably deliver his last policy address next October in the new legislative chamber.

A 30-strong team of security guards is currently employed at the Legco building in Central.

In recent years, protesters have laid siege to the legislature, with lawmakers and officials becoming easy targets for activists.

The current building is quite small and has relatively few exits.

The new building is expected to be completed in May.

"Just deciding how many people should be standing guard in which entrance is giving us a headache," Ng said. "With the much enlarged building, we are planning to hire about 60 new security guards in order to cope."

A new position of chief security officer has been created and will be filled by a retired senior police officer. The security chief, who will deal with frontline security management as well as security systems, will take up the position in December.

Activists have raised concerns about the move to the new site because, even though there will be protest zones nearby, the size of the building and its many entrances mean officials and lawmakers will easily avoid the crowds.

Journalists have also raised concerns about threats to the long-established practice of lawmakers and officials mingling with the media in the corridors at Legco. Some parts of the new building will be off-limits to journalists, providing a possible exit for those who want to avoid questions.

The move is expected to take place on schedule during the summer recess next year, despite an initial delay in building work to implement new requirements for earthquake prevention.

OMG, it's going up so fast !!!!

I think that the main structure is almost finished now, but I'm wondering about the progress of the harbourside reclamation. I wish I were in Hong Kong this year to take some pictures ...

I think that the main structure is almost finished now, but I'm wondering about the progress of the harbourside reclamation. I wish I were in Hong Kong this year to take some pictures ...

Here's the harbour reclamation thread : http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=198002

They've started building the underground bypass using cut-and-cover near the Star Ferry. It's quite a big shaft now.

Topping-out Ceremony for Tamar Development Project
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Government Press Release

Speaking at the Topping-out Ceremony for the Tamar Development Project today (January 25), the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said that the Project had reached a new milestone.

The Tamar Development Project includes the design and construction of the new Government Headquarters, Legislative Council Complex, open space of about half the size of the entire Tamar site, and two elevated walkways. Construction works formally started in February 2008.

All superstructural works have been completed as scheduled within a time frame of about three years. One can now clearly see the design of the buildings, which are modern, simple and dignified, befitting the image of the executive authorities and legislature of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

"The project has adopted the 'Door always open' concept in its design. This open door is now standing behind me. It is not only a distinctive building design, but also a reminder for us to be always open-minded, proactive and receptive to public opinions," Mr Tsang said.

"The close proximity of the executive and legislative authorities reflects the close working relationship between the Government and the Legislative Council (LegCo). With the relocation of Government Headquarters and the LegCo building to Tamar, I look forward to further co-operation between the two in promoting the development and advancement of our community."

The design of the Tamar project is people oriented, and the north-south landscaped "green carpet" maximises public accessibility to the waterfront. The disposition of the buildings forms a major breezeway from the harbour to the inner city area and maintains good air ventilation.

The Government has held an open competition to acquire artworks from local artists to promote local art and to enhance the artistic experience for the public as they enjoy the open space.

The Tamar Development Project also includes a large number of green features, such as green roofs, waste recycling, sea-water cooled chiller plants, and daylight sensor control.

To enhance the greenery of the open space, various landscaping measures such as an extensive lawn, tree plantations, water features and a lily pond will be included. Other features, such as a civic piazza, sculpture court, amphitheatre and Tamar corner, will provide venues for different types of activities for public enjoyment.

Construction works are expected to be completed by mid-2011.

The Project currently engages a workforce of over 3,000.

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Tsang Yok-sing, the Convenor of the Non-official Members of the Executive Council, Mr Leung Chun-ying, the Director of Jardine Matheson Holdings, Mr Adam Keswick, and the Executive Director of NWS Holdings, Mr Patrick Lam, joined the Chief Executive in officiating at the Topping-out Ceremony.

Tsang opens up over dawn of Tamar era
The Standard
Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Tamar, which will house the future government headquarters and legislative buildings, is more than just an office block to Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen.

Tsang said yesterday the complex will be a representation of the government's openness, as well as a symbol of the relationship between the executive and the legislative branches of government.

"The project has adopted the `door always open' concept in its design. It is not only a distinctive building design, but also a reminder for us to be always open- minded, proactive and receptive to public opinions," said Tsang, who was speaking at a topping-out ceremony for the new Tamar complex, expected to be completed by the middle of the year.

The project is estimated to cost HK$5.5 billion, with more than 60 percent of the amount going into construction.

The 27-story "door frame" and a 23-story "door" form the main block and will house various government bureaus.

The chief executive's office and the Executive Council will be in a four-story low block on the right, while the Legislative Council offices and chambers will be in two blocks on the left.

An empty space in the middle is meant to represent the government's transparency and open mindedness, while the sides will be connected by two elevated walkways.

"With the relocation of the government headquarters and the Legco building to Tamar, I look forward to further cooperation between the two in promoting the development and advancement of our community," Tsang said.

Director of Administration Jennifer Mak Yee-ming said the project is on schedule and public officials will be in their new offices by year-end.

Some 3,000 construction jobs were created when work began in February 2008.

About half of the site will be dedicated to public open space where community events can be held. A public arts competition held in April last year gathered works that will be displayed in the civic piazza and public areas.

Architect Rocco Yim Sen-kee said a key feature of the open space is a landscaped green carpet.

It's good to see such impressive progress on this project.

2/6

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I'm wondering whether tamar building will participate the symphony of lights ...

I'm amazed at the lack of updates and apparent lack of interest in this project!

3/12

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The door will look great lit up. Will add some further interest to a relatively bland part of the skyline (the gap between BoC and Central Plaza.

Somehow the cladding on the "door" looks really bad if you look closely...

Somehow the cladding on the "door" looks really bad if you look closely...

That's exactly what I think!
It looks cheap for some reasons... I guess they're trying to cut down cost.

That's exactly what I think!
It looks cheap for some reasons... I guess they're trying to cut down cost.

And it's Rocco...?